PSMB8 and hepatitis C virus infection: Therefore, we hypothesize that polymorphisms of LMP2/LMP7 genes may alter the activities of the proteasome and influence the clinical course of hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible association of the LMP2/LMP7 genes with outcomes of HCV infection and determine whether these genes contribute to the susceptibility to HCV infection as a genetic risk factor among drug users.