Figure 10. A model for sequential involvement of non-structural proteins in HCV assembly, maturation, and egress.
Particle assembly follows the recruitment of core, followed by NS5A and NS3 to the surface of lipid droplets. Such particles are noninfectious, however, and must undergo a maturation step mediated by NS2 (most likely in concert with NS5A) prior to becoming infectious and exiting the cell. See the Discussion for details.
