functional E1-E2 heterodimer HCV glycoproteins

ABSTRACT

The two HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 are released from HCV polyprotein by signal peptidase cleavages. These glycoproteins are type I transmembrane proteins with a highly glycosylated N-terminal ectodomain and a C-terminal hydrophobic anchor. Methods and pathways After their synthesis, HCV glycoproteins E1 and E2 associate as a non covalent heterodimer. The transmembrane domains of HCV envelope glycoproteins play a major role in E1-E2 heterodimer assembly and subcellular localization. The envelope glycoprotein complex E1-E2 has been proposed to be essential for HCV entry. Results and However, for a long time, HCV entry studies have been limited by the lack of a robust cell culture system for HCV replication and viral particle production. Recently, a model mimicking the entry process of HCV lifecycle has been developed by pseudo typing retroviral particles with native HCV envelope glycoproteins, allowing the characterization of functional E1-E2 envelope glycoproteins., we review our understanding to date on the assembly of the functional HCV glycoprotein heterodimer