Chronic HCV: systemic PBMC response Dr. Heathcote follows a large population of patients with chronic HCV. Blood samples will be taken from patients in whom treatment with PegIFN/Rib is being considered and PBMCs will be isolated. Based on our experience with the liver biopsy studies outlined in the Progress Report above, we expect to obtain PBMC preparations from at least 50 patients each year. Roughly 2/3 of these are Genotype 1 patients.