Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the HCV genome, virus particle and membrane associated replication complex.

Note: The virus particle is composed of the viral structural proteins core, envelope protein 1 and 2, as well as host cell lipoproteins. Whether additional viral proteins are incorporated (e.g., p7) is presently unknown. The minimal viral factors needed for establishment of functional replication complexes are the NS3 to NS5B proteins [12]. Viral proteins that have essential co-factor function during virus assembly are highlighted by red asterisks.