In
patients with CHC, T cells have been found to be impaired
in the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 [12]. As well,
studies investigating CD4+ T cell function during a
symptomatic persistent HCV infection have shown a significant
loss of IL-2 secreting cells compared to individuals
who spontaneously resolved viremia, as well as a
weak IFN-γ production by HCV-specific CD4+ T cells
upon stimulation [27