Entry point for hepatitis C infection identified

A molecule embedded in the membrane of human liver cells that aids in cholesterol absorption also allows the entry of hepatitis C virus, the first step in hepatitis C infection, according to research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. knocking down or blocking access to the NPC1L1 receptor prevented the virus from entering and infecting cells. This receptor (Niemann-Pick disease, type C1, gene)-like 1) is involved in cholesterol/lipoprotein physiology and also takes up Vitamin E.