METHOD FOR REPLICATING HCV IN VITRO

摘要

There is provided a method for replicating HCV virus in vitro which comprises the following steps: (i) fusing an HCV-infected white blood cell with a hepatocyte cell to produce a fused cell; and (ii) culturing the fused cell so that HCV replication may occur. There is also provided a fused cell capable of replicating HCV virus in vitro which is made by fusing an HCV-infected white blood cell with a hepatocyte cell, and uses of such a fused cell to screen for anti-HCV drugs and assessing patient responsiveness to therapy before treatment.