Figure 1. Diagram of hepatic lobule.

Liver receives blood supply through hepatic artery and portal vein, which forms a portal triad along with the bile duct that drains bile produced by hepatocytes. LSEC separates sinusoid and space of Disse where hepatocytes are exposed to plasma components. In response to HCV infection, the cytokines produced from infected hepatocytes recruit innate immune cells such as Kupffer cells (hepatic macrophages), dendritic cells, and NK cells to the site of infection. These innate immune cells are expected to produce substantial amount of cytokines and chemokines that play a central role in the recruitment and activation of adaptive immune cells. Hepatic stellate cells transform to myofibroblast like cells in inflamed liver, which facilitate the liver fibrosis via collagen production.