GP73 expression is activated and correlated with IFN activation during HCV infection.

(A) Serum GP73 levels in HCV-infected patients (n = 60) and healthy individuals (n = 60) were detected by ELISA. Samples were tested in duplicate and concentrations were determined from standard curves. Data represent means ± SEM. Boxplots illustrate medians with 25% and 75% and error bars for 5% and 95% percentiles. (B, C) Primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) (B) or Huh7.5.1 cells (C) were infected with HCV at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 2 for indicated times. GP73 and IFN-β mRNAs were quantified by RT-PCR. (D, E, and F) Huh7 cells were infected with HCV at MOI = 2 for indicated times. The mRNA levels of GP73 and IFN-β were determined by RT-PCR (D), the protein levels of GP73 were determined by WB (E) and ELISA (F). (G, H, and I) Huh7-MAVSR cells were infected with HCV at MOI = 2 for indicated times. The mRNA levels of GP73 and IFN-β were determined by RT-PCR (G), the protein levels of GP73 were determined by WB (H) and ELISA (I). Bar graphs represent means ± SD, ***P < 0.001, compared with control group. (d.p.i, days post infection).