However, studies of hepatitis C in cell culture have to a large extent concluded the mode of cell death as apoptotic.75–77 One study has reported an additive protection with in vitro utilization of Nec-1 to the pan-caspase inhibitor QVD, although this was examined on Huh7 cells, and not primary hepatocytes and there was no mechanistic exploration as to how Nec-1 was exerting its effects.78 Here, PCSK1 is linked to hepatitis C virus infection.