TM6SF2 Promotes Lipidation and Secretion of Hepatitis C Virus in Infected Hepatocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-opts the very-low-density lipoprotein pathway for morphogenesis, maturation, and secretion, and circulates as lipoviroparticles (LVPs). We investigated the functions and underlying mechanisms of the lipid-associated TM6SF2 protein in modulating LVP formation and the HCV life cycle.

Methods

We knocked down or overexpressed TM6SF2 in hepatic cells and examined HCV infection, measuring viral RNA and protein levels and infectious LVP titers. The density of secreted LVPs was evaluated by iodixanol gradient assay. We measured levels and patterns of TM6SF2 in liver biopsies from 73 patients with chronic hepatitis C, livers of HCV-infected humanized Alb-uPA/SCID/beige mice, and HCV-infected Huh7.5.1 cells.

Results

TM6SF2 knockdown

SUBMITTER: Boyer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6279583 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature