Inhibition of WNT signalling interferes with HCV replication

Background and Aims: The tumor relevant wnt pathway activity is associated with higher HCV replication. HCV core and NS5 protein have recently been shown to induce wnt pathway activity, implicating a cause for progression to HCC. We now investigated if wnt pathway activity might affect HCV replication. Methods: For in vitro experiments the HCV replicon system expressing HCV genes NS3 to NS5B alone (Huh5–15) or in combination with firefly luciferase (LucUbiNeo-ET) was used. To promote wnt pathway activity the glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3b) inhibitors Kenpaullone or SB216763 were used. Inhibition of the w…