In addition, IP-10 production upon HA stimulation depends on the expression of TLR2 and CD44, and a direct association between TLR2 and CD44 has been observed, suggesting that the endogenous expression of HA in hepatocytes in CHC patients participates in IP-10 production through an interaction between TLR2 and CD44, though an interaction with TLR2 and HA in HBV infection needs further study. Here, CD44 is linked to cryohydrocytosis.