MicroRNA-mediated interactions between host and hepatitis C virus

Figure 3 miR-122-centered cvhRNA network disrupts host homeostasis and establishes persistent hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNAs harbor miR-122 binding sites in the 5’ and 3’-UTRs and coding sequence regions and thus efficiently sequester cellular miR-122 from binding to its host target mRNAs. In this manner, HCV RNAs de-repress expression of host target mRNAs, such as CAT-1, cyclin G1 and CUTL1, alter host homeostasis, and partly cause a host antiviral response. The interplay between host and HCV finally forms persistent chronic HCV infection. UTR: Untranslated region; CDS: Coding sequence.