FIG 5.

The core domain 2-coding region is critical for DVG packaging. (A) Schematic of JD533, CΔD2, and CΔD1-D2. Domain 2 of core was deleted in CΔD2, and both domains 1 and 2 were deleted in CΔD1-D2. The numbers indicate the HCV nucleotide sequence starting from core. (B and C) HCV RNA (B) and viral protein (C) levels in Huh7.5.1 cells transfected with JD533, CΔD2, and CΔD1-D2. The HCV RNA levels were determined by RT-qPCR and are expressed as values relative to the cellular actin mRNA levels. The error bars represent standard deviations from three independent experiments. The NS3 protein levels were quantified by using ImageJ and normalized against the internal actin control and are presented below the blot. (D and E) Intracellular HCV RNA levels (D) and extracellular infectivity titers (E) in Huh7.5.1 packaging cells transfected with JD533, CΔD2, and CΔD1-D2. The HCV RNA levels were determined by RT-qPCR and expressed as values relative to the cellular actin mRNA levels. The error bars represent standard deviations from three independent experiments. NS, nonsignificant (P > 0.05); *, P < 0.05.