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17,β-estradiol inhibits hepatitis C virus mainly by interference with the release phase of its life cycle

Andrea Magri1,2, Matteo N Barbaglia1, Chiara Z Foglia1

  • 1Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.

Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
|November 26, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

17β-estradiol significantly inhibits hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by targeting its intracellular receptors. This estrogen primarily interferes with the late stages of the HCV life cycle, including assembly and release.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Oestrogen and oestrogen-mediated signalling are known to protect against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
  • The precise mechanisms by which oestrogens exert their protective effects remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate which specific phases of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle are affected by oestrogens.
  • To elucidate the role of 17β-estradiol in modulating HCV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Huh7 cells infected with JFH1 virus (genotype 2a) were treated with various hormones, including 17β-estradiol, and its effects on viral entry, replication, and release were assessed.
  • Dose-response curves were used to determine half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values.
  • A dual-step infection model was employed to evaluate the impact of 17β-estradiol on both primary and secondary HCV infections.

Main Results:

  • 17β-estradiol demonstrated significant inhibition of HCV infection (64%-67%), with IC50 values ranging from 140-160 nmol/L.
  • The inhibitory effect of 17β-estradiol was dose-dependently reversed by the receptor antagonist fulvestrant.
  • 17β-estradiol had minimal impact on viral entry and replication but significantly reduced extracellular HCV RNA and infectivity, particularly in secondary infections.

Conclusions:

  • 17β-estradiol inhibits hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by acting through intracellular receptors.
  • The primary mechanism of inhibition involves interference with the late stages of the HCV life cycle, specifically viral assembly and release.
  • These findings highlight a potential therapeutic role for oestrogen-based therapies in managing HCV infection.
Keywords:
17β-estradiolantiviralshepatitis C virusoestrogen

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