The complex relationship between immune response and HCV determines the velocity and the distinct outcomes found. The major determinant for the development of cirrhosis and hepatic insufficiency is the accumulation of fibrosis and inflammatory activity closely related to collagen synthesis by fibroblasts and hepatocyte-apoptosis induction related to TGF-β production. In individuals with more severe hepatic lesion, there is the prevalence of expression of the Th-2 profile in the peripheral blood, which is characterized by high levels of IL-4 and IL-10, whereas, in the hepatic tissue, a larger expression of cytokines of the Th-1 profile, such as IL-2 and INF-γ, is observed. This phenomenon is known as "compartmentalization" of the immune response.