Mosquito cells bind and replicate hepatitis C virus

Several studies have demonstrated some hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in lymphocyte and hepatocyte cell lines such as in African green monkey Vero cells. The aim of the present study was to select other cell lines able to bind and replicate HCV. Human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 cells, human lymphoma Namalwa cells, Vero and mosquito AP61 cells were inoculated with HCV-positive plasma, washed six times and examined for the presence of the viral genome at different times post infection, using an RT-PCR method. Binding of HCV to cells was estimated by HCV RNA detection in cells 2 hr after inoculation and in the last wash of these cells. Successive virus passages in cells were carried out. All the cells studied were able to bind HCV but only AP61 and Vero cells provided evidence of replication and production of infectious virus: virus RNA was detected during 28 days post-infection in four successive virus passages. CD81 molecules, a putative HCV receptor, were detected by cytofluorometric analysis. Vero cells express CD81 molecules whereas these molecules were not detected on AP61 cells. It is suggested that other receptors are involved in HCV binding to Vero and AP61 cells.