Analysis of hepatitis C virus infection models with hepatocyte homeostasis

Recently, we developed a model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that explicitly includes proliferation of infected and uninfected hepatocytes. The model predictions agree with a large body of experimental observations on the kinetics of HCV RNA change during acute infection, under antiviral therapy, and after the cessation of therapy. Here we mathematically analyze and characterize both the steady state and dynamical behavior of this model. The analyses presented here not only are important for HCV infection but also should be relevant for nrodeling other infections with hepatotropic viruses, such as hepatitis B virus.