Binding of Free and Immune Complex-Associated Hepatitis C Virus to Erythrocytes Is Mediated by the Complement System.

ABSTRACT: Erythrocytes bind circulating immune complexes (ICs) and facilitate IC clearance from the circulation. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with IC-related disorders. In this study, we investigated the kinetics and mechanism of HCV and HCV-IC binding to and dissociation from erythrocytes. Cell culture-produced HCV was mixed with erythrocytes from healthy blood donors, and erythrocyte-associated virus particles were quantified. Purified complement proteins, complement-depleted serum, and complement receptor antibodies were used to investigate complement-mediated HCV-erythrocyte binding. Purified HCV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) from a chronic HCV-infected patient was used to study complement-mediated HCV-IC/erythrocyte binding. Binding of HCV to erythrocytes increased

SUBMITTER: Salam KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6226377 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature