Structural proteins of HCV and biological functions

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of liver disorders and a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The induction of hepatocellular carcinoma by HCV is thought to involve not only chronic inflammation, but also the biological activity of HCV components. Structural proteins of HCV are composed of the core protein and two envelope proteins, E1 and E2. The HCV core protein has been reported to exhibit multiple biological functions involved in lipid synthesis, iron metabolism, insulin response, oxidative stress and cell growth, and to thereby contribute to the development of carcinogenesis and metabolic disorders. Moreover, several reports suggest that envelope proteins also play an important role in viral entry as well as HCV-related pathogenic events. However, the mechanism by which the structural proteins induce hepatitis C-related disorders has not been fully understood. This review focuses on the current status of biological responses mediated by HCV structural proteins.