A target on the move: innate and adaptive immune escape strategies of hepatitis C virus.

Obligate intracellular parasites such as the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have to cope intensively with immune responses in order to establish persistent infection. Powerful antiviral mechanisms of the host act on several levels. The innate immune response is able to slow down viral replication and activate cytokines which trigger the synthesis of antiviral proteins. The adaptive immune system neutralizes virus particles and destroys infected cells. Viruses have therefore developed a number of countermeasures to stay moving targets for the immune system. Here, we attempt to summarize the current state of research regarding innate and adaptive immune responses against HCV and the different escape strategies evolved by this virus.