HCV core protein and virus assembly: what we know without structures

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Significant progress in understanding HCV life cycle and developing small molecule treatments exists.
• Gaps remain in understanding HCV assembly, particle release, and core protein structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in understanding HCV assembly.
• To emphasize the role of the core protein in virus particle structure and function.
• To highlight the potential of the core protein as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on HCV assembly.
• Analysis of the role of viral and host proteins in nucleocapsid formation.
• Discussion of the structural properties and membrane interactions of the HCV core protein.

Main Results:

• HCV nucleocapsid formation is driven by core protein oligomerization with viral RNA.
• HCV assembly may involve coassembly at endoplasmic reticulum membranes due to core protein's hydrophobic domain.
• New mechanisms involving viral proteins and host factors in HCV particle formation and egress have been identified.

Conclusions:

• The HCV core protein is a crucial structural component of virus particles.
• The core protein interacts with various cellular components, suggesting complex assembly pathways.
• Targeting the HCV core protein offers a promising strategy for novel anti-HCV agent development.