CDC42 supports HBV entry by NTCP translocation to the plasma membrane and macropinocytosis

CDC42 is a member of Rho GTPase family that regulates various biological processes and its activity can be hijacked by invading pathogens. Here, we discovered that the level of active CDC42 in hepatocytes positively correlates with the entry capacity of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Mechanistically, CDC42 activation effectively promotes the transport of the viral receptor sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) to the plasma membrane via Rab11 dependent recycling endosomal pathway. NTCP interacts with Rab11 and activation of CDC42 signaling reinforces the interaction between NTCP and Rab11. We further show that clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME), the known HBV entry pathway, is independent of CDC42 activity. Intriguingly, we reveal that CDC42 dependent macropinocytosis is a route for HBV entry, which is equally essential for viral infection as CME. Together, our findings uncover new mechanisms for HBV entry that involve unrecognized functions of CDC42 and suggest that Rho GTPase signaling might represent a potential target for antiviral therapy.