Virion assembly and release

Abstract

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) particles exhibit several unusual properties that are not found in other enveloped RNA viruses, most notably their low buoyant density and interaction with serum lipoproteins. With the advent of systems to grow HCV in cell culture, the molecular basis of HCV particle assembly and release can now be addressed. The process of virus assembly involves protein-protein interactions between viral structural and nonstructural proteins and the coordinated action of host factors. This chapter reviews our current understanding of these interactions and factors.

Fig. 1

HCV particles interact with low-density lipoproteins. (a) A model of an HCV particle, based on the structure of flaviviruses. The surface of the enveloped virus particle is decorated with the viral E1–E2 glycoproteins. Within the virus particle is a nucelocapsid formed by core protein and the viral RNA genome. (b) A comparison of enveloped RNA virus buoyant densities. Range bars indicate the buoyant density of viruses within each taxonomic group (data obtained from the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses website). The buoyant density of serum lipoproteins are indicated at the bottom for comparison. (c–g). Illustrations show putative interactions between an HCV particles and VLDL particles. See text for further description.

Fig. 2

Model of HCV particle assembly. RNA is packaged See text for further description.