Abstract
In hepatocytes, PLIN2 is the major protein coating lipid droplets (LDs), an organelle the hepatitis C virus (HCV) hijacks for virion morphogenesis. We investigated the consequences of PLIN2 deficiency on LDs and on HCV infection. Knockdown of PLIN2 did not affect LD homeostasis, likely due to compensation by PLIN3, but severely impaired HCV particle production. PLIN2-knockdown cells had slightly larger LDs with altered protein composition, enhanced local lipase activity and higher β-oxidation capacity. Electron micrographs showed that, after PLIN2 knockdown, LDs and HCV-induced vesicular structures were tightly surrounded by ER-derived double-membrane sacs. Strikingly, the LD access for HCV core and NS5A proteins was restricted in PLIN2-deficient cells, which correlated with reduced formation of intracellular HCV particles that were less infectious and of higher density, indicating defects in maturation. PLIN2 depletion also reduced protein levels and secretion of ApoE due to lysosomal degradation, but did not affect the density of ApoE-containing lipoproteins. However, ApoE overexpression in PLIN2-deficient cells did not restore HCV spreading. Thus, PLIN2 expression is required for trafficking of core and NS5A proteins to LDs, and for formation of functional low-density HCV particles prior to ApoE incorporation.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.