This divergent host-virus interaction is reflected in the subsequent response to PegIFN/Rib therapy. All of the HCV liver biopsies we have analyzed to date were taken from patients who went on to treatment with PegIFN/Rib. At present, treatment has been completed in 49 of these patients. In an observation that may have significant clinical utility, we showed that the ultimate response to treatment (sustained viral response versus vs nonresponder/relapser) was reflected in the original gene expression profiles. We identified 18 genes whose expression levels distinguished responders from non-responders/relapsers in with an accuracy of >90%. Based on this observation we filed a patent to protect the intellectual property and formed a company to commercialize the genetic test. The results have also been submitted for publication. Taken together we believe we have described a set of genes, or perhaps a biological process, that lies at the heart of the host-HCV interaction.