HCV hijacking of host lipid metabolism pathway

HCV hijacks critical molecules of host lipid metabolism pathways to support its life cycle.

Liver is the main target organ
HCV exhibits '''hepatotropism. '''

HCV circulates as lipo-viro-particles (LVPs). LVPs have liver-specific receptors that mediate binding and uptake in hepatocytes (attachment and entry).

HCV infection of hepatocytes result in LVPs
HCV hijacks the VLDL-secretory pathway and associated apolipoproteins for its assembly and maturation.

Liver cells can support translation
Liver-specific host factors include miR-122. HCV hijacks miR-122 to stabilize its genome and stimulate translation.

Liver cells can support replication
HCV proteins induce the rearrangement of ER-derived membranes. Leads to the formation of replicase complexes (RCs) in modified membranous webs associated with LD.

Liver cells can support assembly
HCV hijacks host lipoprotein synthesis pathways (lipid droplet formation) required for the formation of assembly platforms.