HepG2 cells support viral replication and gene expression of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 in vitro.

Abstract

HepG2 cell line is not only susceptible to HCV infection but also supports its replication in vitro. Expression of HCV structural proteins can be detected in infected HepG2 cells. These cells are also capable of shedding viral particles into culture media which in turn become infectious to uninfected cells.