FIG. 3.

dsRNA-containing foci are formed during the transient replication of HCV replicons. JFH-1 wt and GND mutant subgenomic replicon RNAs were introduced into Huh-7 cells by electroporation, and cells were assessed at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h. (A) Cells were examined for luciferase activity (cells with wt replicon RNA, solid line; cells with GND mutant replicon RNA, dashed line). RLU, relative light units. (B) Cell extracts were probed with NS5A antiserum in a Western blot analysis. The arrowhead indicates NS5A protein. (C) Fixed cells were examined for the presence of dsRNA and NS5A by indirect immunofluorescence at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h postelectroporation. The boxed region in panel vi is shown enlarged in panel D. Arrows indicate the colocalization of dsRNA-containing foci and NS5A protein. Bars, 10 μm.