Expression of NF-κB-dependent anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-xL, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and the long form of cellular-FLICE inhibitory protein, was decreased after infection of cultured cells, in line with the reported decreased levels of Bcl-xL, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein and cellular-FLICE inhibitory protein (mRNA and protein) in livers with chronic hepatitis C34. This evidence concerns the gene XIAP and infection.