Early steps of the hepatitis C virus life cycle.
To replicate its genome, a virus needs to cross the plasma membrane of a host cell and get access to cytosolic and/or nuclear components. For an enveloped virus, this involves binding to the plasma membrane, followed by migration of the virion to a microdomain or an endosomal vesicle where fusion between the virion envelope and a host cell membrane occurs. Increasing evidences indicate that virus entry is a tightly regulated process. Although we are still far from understanding the details of hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry, recent data show that this virus enters into target cells in a slow and complex multistep process involving the presence of several entry factors. Initial attachment of the virion may involve glycosaminoglycans and the low-density lipoprotein receptor, and it is followed by the sequential interaction with the scavenger receptor class B type I, the tetraspanin CD81 and tight junction protein Claudin-1, -6 or -9. Furthermore, the identification of EWI-2wint as a new partner of CD81 which blocks E2-CD81 interaction provides additional evidence of the complexity of the HCV entry process. The current knowledge accumulated on HCV entry is summarized in this review.
Dubuisson
Jean
J
Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Université de Lille I and II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France. jean.dubuisson@ibl.fr
Helle
François
F
Cocquerel
Laurence
L
D000818:Animals; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008954:Models, Biological; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D053585:Virus Attachment; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000502:physiology*
D014764:Viral Proteins