Exosome-mediated transmission of hepatitis C virus between human hepatoma Huh7.5 cells.

ABSTRACT: Recent evidence indicates there is a role for small membrane vesicles, including exosomes, as vehicles for intercellular communication. Exosomes secreted by most cell types can mediate transfer of proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs, but their role in the transmission of infectious agents is less established. Recent studies have shown that hepatocyte-derived exosomes containing hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA can activate innate immune cells, but the role of exosomes in the transmission of HCV between hepatocytes remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether exosomes transfer HCV in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Purified exosomes isolated from HCV-infected human hepatoma Huh7.5.1 cells were shown to contain full-length viral RNA, viral protein, and particles, as determined by R

SUBMITTER: Ramakrishnaiah V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3740869 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature