Analysis of hepatitis C virus superinfection exclusion by using novel fluorochrome gene-tagged viral genomes.

ABSTRACT: Studies of the complete hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle have become possible with the development of an infectious cell culture system using the genotype 2a isolate JFH-1. Taking advantage of this system in the present study, we investigated whether HCV infection leads to superinfection exclusion, a state in which HCV-infected cells are resistant to secondary HCV infection. To discriminate between viral genomes, we inserted genes encoding fluorescent proteins in frame into the 3'-terminal NS5A coding region. These genomes replicated to wild-type levels and supported the production of infectious virus particles. Upon simultaneous infection of Huh-7 cells, co-replication of both viral genomes in the same cell was detected. However, when infections were performed sequentially, secondary in

SUBMITTER: Schaller T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1900174 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature