TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine induction mediated by HCV core is dependent on MAP
kinases. THP-1 macrophages (A and B) and MDMs (C and D) were stimulated with HCV core or
β-galactosidase protein control in the presence or absence of 50 μM
SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), 20 μM SB203580 (p38 inhibitor), 50 μM PD98059
(MEK1/2 inhibitor), and 10 μM U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor). TNF-α (A and C)
and IL-6 (B and D) induction was determined by ELISA (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) 14
hours after stimulation. Results from 3 independent experiments (THP-1) and 2 independent
MDM donors are shown. Data are means ± SD. *Significantly different
(P < 0.05) from HCV core–stimulated group.