A serum protein factor mediates maturation and apoB-association of HCV particles in the extracellular milieu

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. Although recent direct antiviral agents (DAA) can now cure most patients, it remains major challenges in basic, translational and clinical research[1]. As DAAs are only curative, the development of a protective vaccine remains an important goal; yet, this requires deeper knowledge of HCV particles structure. Indeed, HCV virion exhibits unusually heterogeneous particles in morphology, size and properties[2], as immunocapture of its surface proteins revealed particles of 50-80nm without symmetrical arrangement[3 –6].
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research