Functional Analysis of Claudin-6 and Claudin-9 as Entry Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Infection of Human Hepatocytes by Using Monoclonal Antibodies
Fofana I., Zona L., Thumann C., Heydmann L., Durand SC., Lupberger J., Blum HE., Pessaux P., Gondeau C., Reynolds GM., McKeating JA., Grunert F., Thompson J., Zeisel MB., Baumert TF.
ABSTRACT The relevance of claudin-6 and claudin-9 in hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry remains elusive. We produced claudin-6- or claudin-9-specific monoclonal antibodies that inhibit HCV entry into nonhepatic cells expressing exogenous claudin-6 or claudin-9. These antibodies had no effect on HCV infection of hepatoma cells or primary hepatocytes. Thus, although claudin-6 and claudin-9 can serve as entry factors in cell lines, HCV infection into human hepatocytes is not dependent on claudin-6 and claudin-9.