Cell culture-adaptive NS3 mutations required for the robust replication of genome-length hepatitis C virus RNA

Virus Res. 2007 Apr;125(1):88-97. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2006.12.011. Epub 2007 Jan 18.

Abstract

We recently established a genome-length HCV RNA-replicating cell line (O strain of genotype 1b; here called O cells) using cured cells derived from sO cells, in which HCV subgenomic replicon RNA with an adaptive NS5A mutation (S2200R) is replicated. Characterization of the O cells revealed a second adaptive NS3 mutation (K1609E) required for genome-length HCV RNA replication. To clarify the role of adaptive mutation in genome-length HCV RNA replication, we newly established one and three kinds of genome-length HCV RNA-replicating cell lines possessing the cell background of sO and O cells, respectively, and found additional adaptive NS3 mutations (Q1112R, P1115L, and E1202G) required for the robust replication of genome-length HCV RNA. We further found that specific combinations of adaptive NS3 mutations drastically enhanced HCV RNA replication, regardless of the cell lines examined. These findings suggest that specific viral factors may affect the replication level of genome-length HCV RNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / genetics
  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Hepacivirus / classification
  • Hepacivirus / drug effects
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepacivirus / physiology*
  • Mutation
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / physiology*
  • Virus Replication / genetics*
  • Virus Replication / physiology

Substances

  • NS3 protein, hepatitis C virus
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins