Replication of a hepatitis C virus replicon clone in mouse cells
2006
Replication of Hepatitis C Virus in Mouse Cells
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Uprichard Susan L, Chung Josan, Chisari Francis V, Wakita Takaji
Primary Institution: The Scripps Research Institute
Hypothesis
Can hepatitis C virus replicons replicate in mouse hepatocytes?
Conclusion
HCV replicon clones can replicate in mouse cells, but mouse hepatocytes do not support the production of infectious virus.
Supporting Evidence
- HCV replication was established in mouse hepatocyte and fibroblast cell lines using replicons derived from the JFH-1 genotype 2a.
- Viral RNA replication efficiency in mouse cells was comparable to that observed in human Huh-7 replicon cells.
- No infectious virus was detected in the culture medium from mouse cells replicating HCV RNA.
Takeaway
Scientists found a way for a virus that usually infects humans to replicate in mouse cells, but the mice can't make new infectious virus particles.
Methodology
The study involved screening HCV replicons for their ability to replicate in mouse hepatocyte and fibroblast cell lines.
Limitations
Mouse cells were unable to produce infectious HCV particles despite replicating the virus.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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