An animal model for HCV replication and/or production of virus or virus like particles is provided. The invention utilizes an HCV replicon present in a cell to deliver HCV nucleic acid and replicate and express HCV proteins in an animal model comprising an animal that has been immunocompromised. The invention further provides a method of treatment or prevention of HCV in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal a combination which comprises an immunomodulatory compound and another antiviral agent. Also provided are cell lines showing a decreased sensitivity to interferon alpha or some other immunomodulator and methods of making or isolating such cell lines.