Persistent replication of the GBV-C subgenomic replicons in Huh7 cells

Studies of GB virus type C (GBV-C) replication in vitro have been limited because of poor growth of GBV-C in cell culture. In order to address the infection of GBV-C, two GBV-C subgenomic replicons (GBCrepEGFP and GBCrepTNF) were developed from a GBV-C full-length genomic cDNA. The viral replication, protein expression and the production of virus-like particles were evaluated in human hepatoma cell line Huh7. The results showed that the established GBCrepEGFP and GBCrepTNF replicons could be replicated autonomously and expressed in cell culture for at least 2 months and 1 month respectively. The replicon RNA could assemble RNA-containing structures in the HuhEH cells expressing GBV-C structural proteins. It suggests that a cell line supporting the replication of GBV-C was established. This replicon system might be used to understand better the biology of GBV-C.