FIG 4.

Forced expression of CLDN1 restores HCV entry to DGAT1-silenced cell lines. (A) CLDN1 protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting after mock or CLDN1 transfection of DGAT1-silenced cell lines. (B) Surface expression of CLDN1 was analyzed by flow cytometry after mock or CLDN1 transfection of DGAT1-silenced cell lines. Data are representative of three independent experiments. (C) HCV entry was assessed after mock or CLDN1 transfection of DGAT1-silenced cell lines using HCVpp of various genotypes. Virus pseudoparticles harboring the VSV-G envelope glycoprotein served as a positive control. HCVpp entry was determined by luciferase activity. Data are expressed as percentages of the shRNA-control cell line (n = 4). The statistical analysis was conducted for differences between the mock-transfected and CLDN1-transfected cells. Bar graphs represent means ± SEM. *, P < 0.001.