Furthermore, only HCV Core from BT could bind to p-STAT3, which might be one of the characteristics of HCV genotype 1b in its pathogenesis, or at least one pathogenesis characteristic of some HCV genotype 1b strains, and which might account for why incidences of liver cirrhosis and HCC are higher in HCV genotype 1b than those of other genotypes. Here, STAT3 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.