An infectious murine model for hepacivirus-associated fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

By mirroring the immunopathological, molecular, and sex-associated features of chronic HCV infection, this model provides an unparalleled platform to investigate virus-host interactions underlying fibrosis and oncogenesis.

High HCC penetrance and the genetically tractable C57BL/6 background further enhance experimental utility, enabling precise mechanistic dissection and genetic manipulation in a physiologically relevant setting. The capacity to study spontaneous tumor development in the context of natural infection allows for rigorous testing of antifibrotic and anti-cancer strategies, while the persistence of oncogenic potential after viral clearance raises important questions about irreversible disease reprogramming and elevated cancer risk following viral cure - issues of direct relevance to patients cured of HCV.