Interplay between PI4P and Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract: Hepatitis C is caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV)， and has strong epidemicity all over the world. The HCV is mainly spread by drug injection， blood-to-blood contact or organ transplantation. In rare case， HCV is spread through blood dialysis and maternal-infant vertical infection. Upon HCV infection， few patients get acute infection， whereas most of the patients turn to chronic infection， and roughly one-third progress to live cirrhosis in less than 20 years， some of whom will get cancer. In addition to liver lesions， HCV infection can also cause damage to other tissues and organs. Thus， exploring the underlying mechanism of HCV infection is particularly important. In recent years， an emerging role for host factors including lipids in HCV infection has been discovered. Here， we discussed the recent progress of the role of PI4P and its associated proteins in HCV life cycle. The biological function of sphingomyelin and cholesterol is also briefly summarized in this review.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2012.02.0001