The number of CK7- or E-cadherin-positive HPCs decreased significantly in moderate hepatitis as compared to mild hepatitis (n = 0.65 ± 0.33 per cm2 and n = 0.78 ± 0.45 per cm2, P < 0.05) (Fig. 2c, h). This evidence concerns the gene KRT7 and hepatitis A virus infection.