Hepatitis C in Liver Cells (IMAGE) Princeton University Caption A study led by Princeton University researchers found that a triple-punch of antibodies both prevented hepatitis C infection and wiped out the disease after it had established itself in laboratory mice. Instead of delivering the antibodies directly, the researchers administered a genetic 'instruction set' that, once in a cell, developed into antibodies that target the portions of the virus that do not mutate. Hepatitis C affects roughly 170 million people worldwide and causes chronic liver damage and cancer. Attempts to develop a hepatitis C vaccine have been hampered by the virus's ability to mutate into numerous subtypes. This image shows liver cells infected with hepatitis C. Credit Image by Markus von Schaewen, Princeton University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.