The Accelerating Pace of HCV Research: A Summary of the 15th International Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus and Related Viruses

Almost 800 research scientists convened in San Antonio in early October of 2008 to share recent results and new insights concerning hepatitis C virus (HCV). The 15th International Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus and Related Viruses opened with a mini-symposium recognizing progress made over the past 20 years since the discovery of HCV. This was followed by 10 keynote talks, and 61 oral and 379 poster presentations over the succeeding 4 days. Our intent is to succinctly summarize the most notable findings reported, a task made extraordinarily difficult by the volume, diversity and quality of science presented. At best, this cursory overview vividly demonstrates the robust pace of the research that is unraveling the mysteries of this unique and potentially deadly human pathogen.