Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between CXCL10 expression and the degree of apoptosis in hepatitis C patients, a relationship mediated through TLR-4 activation, a noncognate receptor.[53] Additionally, CXCL10 levels in intrahepatic and serum samples have been consistently linked to the severity of HCV-induced liver fibrosis.[54] In HCV-infected individuals, circulating CXCL10 also serves as an independent biomarker for predicting the recurrence of severe fibrosis after liver transplantation.[55]. The gene discussed is TLR4; the disease is hepatitis C virus infection.