Hepatitis C virus E2 links soluble human CD81 and SR-B1 protein.
Limited information is available regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry events. Viral attachment and infection studies have been performed using HCV envelope glycoprotein (E2) and HCV pseudo-particle (HCVpp) models to obtain general information about the early entry events. However, the details involved in each step of viral entry into human cells are still obscure. This study provides molecular clue for the formation of a heteromultimeric complex as a possible post-attachment step. Among several putative receptors, human CD81 and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) have been demonstrated as considerable determinants in infectious outcome as well as attachment. In this study, we provide molecular evidence demonstrating that HCV E2 links soluble CD81 and SR-B1 protein together. This physical neighboring might explain why both CD81 and SR-B1 are indispensable factors for HCVpp infection. These data further elucidate our understanding of HCV entry and provide new insight into directing future studies identifying novel liver-specific fusion receptor(s).
Heo
Tae-Hwe
TH
Laboratory of Immunology and the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Shillim-Dong, Kwanak-Gu, 151-742, Korea.
Lee
Song-Mi
SM
Bartosch
Birke
B
Cosset
François-Loïc
FL
Kang
Chang-Yuil
CY
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011485:Protein Binding; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051122:Scavenger Receptors, Class B / Q000378:metabolism*; D012995:Solubility; D060225:Tetraspanin 28; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014779:Virus Replication
D015703:Antigens, CD; C554798:CD81 protein, human; D011991:Receptors, Virus; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C495124:SCARB1 protein, human; D051122:Scavenger Receptors, Class B; D060225:Tetraspanin 28; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; C091015:glycoprotein E2, Hepatitis C virus