Fig. 3

Model membrane platforms to mimic HCV replicase setting. To design a model system for functional characterization studies, it is necessary to identify the key components of the biological system. The HCV replicase assembles on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes. In this context, the lipid bilayer of the ER membrane supports assembly and function of the replicase complex by hosting amphipathic helices found in NS proteins. Therefore, model membrane platforms based on a lipid bilayer are useful for functional analysis and pharmaceutical targeting of the HCV replicase. a Model orientation of the HCV NS5A protein relative to the ER membrane. Although membrane association the NS5A protein is necessary for viral replication, it possesses no known enzymatic function. Therefore, targeting the N-terminal AH—which is necessary for membrane association—represents an attractive inhibition strategy. b Intact vesicle platform is a monolayer of adsorbed, unruptured vesicles. The vesicle size distribution can control the morphological and viscoelastic properties of the film. c Planar bilayer platform is a rigid film formed by the adsorption and rupture of lipid vesicles on certain hydrophilic substrates. Figure is adapted and modified from Refs. [66, 82]