HepG2 Cells Expressing MicroRNA miR-122 Support the Entire Hepatitis C Virus Life Cycle
Résumé
ABSTRACT The liver-specific microRNA miR-122 is required for efficient hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA replication both in cell culture and in vivo . In addition, nonhepatic cells have been rendered more efficient at supporting this stage of the HCV life cycle by miR-122 expression. This study investigated how miR-122 influences HCV replication in the miR-122-deficient HepG2 cell line. Expression of this microRNA in HepG2 cells permitted efficient HCV RNA replication and infectious virion production. When a missing HCV receptor is also expressed, these cells efficiently support viral entry and thus the entire HCV life cycle.