| HCV core protein |
Structural |
Makes up the viral nucleocapsid. Affects host cell functions like gene transcription, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and various signaling pathways Directly or indirectly involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and steatosis hepatitis |
| Envelope proteins E1 and E2 |
Structural |
Play an important role in cell entry. E1 serves as the fusogenic subunit. E2 acts as the receptor binding subunit of the HCV envelope. |
| P7 protein |
Structural |
P7 has characteristics similar to those of a group of proteins called viroporins. Forms ion channels that play an essential role in virus infection. Essential for virus particle assembly and release of infectious virions in a genotype specific manner |
| NS2 protein |
Nonstructural |
Essential for completion of the viral replication cycle in vitro and in vivo. |
| NS3 protein |
Non-structural |
It is a multifunctional protein whose N & C terminals have serine protease & NTPase/helicase activities, respectively |
| NS4A protein |
Nonstructural |
Acts as a cofactor for NS3 protein. Also required for the phosphorylation of NS5A and can directly interact with NS5A |
| NS4B protein |
Nonstructural |
Plays an important role in the recruitment of other viral proteins. |
| NS5A protein |
Nonstructural |
Plays an important role in viral replication and modulation of cell signaling pathways and interferon response. |
| NS5B protein |
Nonstructural |
Acts as an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and plays an important role in the synthesis of new RNA genome. |
