FIGURE 3. Possible mechanisms of immune evasion by the hepatitis C virus.

Red lines and headings represent mechanisms for which there is the most supporting in vivo experimental data; dotted lines indicate that although the mechanisms indicated may be involved in viral persistence, their pathways remain unclear. Large crosses indicate deletion of cells, whereas triangles indicate inhibition of antigen presentation. Interactions of viral products with intracellular pathways and the consequent effects on innate immunity are covered in the accompanying review by Gale and Foy (page 939).