CD36 is a co-receptor for hepatitis C virus E1 protein attachment

Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 22:6:21808. doi: 10.1038/srep21808.

Abstract

The cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) is a membrane protein related to lipid metabolism. We show that HCV infection in vitro increased CD36 expression in either surface or soluble form. HCV attachment was facilitated through a direct interaction between CD36 and HCV E1 protein, causing enhanced entry and replication. The HCV co-receptor effect of CD36 was independent of that of SR-BI. CD36 monoclonal antibodies neutralized the effect of CD36 and reduced HCV replication. CD36 inhibitor sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), which directly bound CD36 but not SR-BI, significantly interrupted HCV entry, and therefore inhibited HCV replication. SSO's antiviral effect was seen only in HCV but not in other viruses. SSO in combination with known anti-HCV drugs showed additional inhibition against HCV. SSO was considerably safe in mice. Conclusively, CD36 interacts with HCV E1 and might be a co-receptor specific for HCV entry; thus, CD36 could be a potential drug target against HCV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • CD36 Antigens / antagonists & inhibitors
  • CD36 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD36 Antigens / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Synergism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hepacivirus / drug effects*
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepacivirus / metabolism
  • Hepatocytes / drug effects
  • Hepatocytes / pathology
  • Hepatocytes / virology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Oleic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacology
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Receptors, Virus / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Virus / genetics*
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / genetics
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Succinimides / pharmacology*
  • Toxicity Tests, Acute
  • Transgenes
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Attachment / drug effects*
  • Virus Internalization / drug effects*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antiviral Agents
  • CD36 Antigens
  • E1 protein, Hepatitis C virus
  • Oleic Acids
  • Oligopeptides
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Virus
  • SCARB1 protein, human
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class B
  • Succinimides
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate
  • telaprevir