The role of apolipoproteins in viral entry and human disease

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

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Abstract

A defining feature of the HCV virion is its remarkably low buoyant density, making it more similar in density to low- or very-low-density lipoproteins (LDL or VLDL) than to other members of the Flaviviridae family. HCV is associated with protein found on lipoproteins, such as apolipoproteins AI, B, CI, CII, E, and H. Apolipoproteins mediate HCV attachment to hepatocytes through their receptors: LDL lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) interacts with SR-BI, mediating selective transfer of cholesteryl esters to the cells. In addition to HCV, several other viruses use LDLr and SR-BI for entry. This year, we determined the highest resolution structure of apolipoprotein B bound to the LDL receptor. This work provides unprecedented insights into HCV and LDL update.