Adaptive immune response during hepatitis C virus infection

Figure 2 Cytolytic and non-cytolytic mechanisms to eliminate hepatitis C virus by specific cytotoxic T cells. Scheme showing the hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load and alanine-amminotransferase (ALT) dynamics after acute HCV infection in relation to appearance of HCV-specific cytotoxic T cells and gamma-interferon secretion. Once HCV-specific cytotoxic T cells are detectable an ALT peak is observed, while when gamma interferon is secreted HCV titers decreased and ALT value becomes normal. CTL: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte.