Expression of HCV entry receptors in human liver myofibroblasts (HLMF).

<p>HLMF were subjected to the analysis of HCV entry receptors (CD81, LDLR, CLDN-1, OCLN and SR-BI) using four techniques. <b>(A)</b> Quantitative RT–PCR. Histograms represent mRNA levels relative to Huh7.5 in PHH, HLMF, HepG2 and the T98G cell line (means ± SD from 7 cell preparations). <b>(B)</b> Flow cytometry (CD81 and LDLR). The histograms of mean fluorescence showed that Huh7.5, PHH and HLMF expressed CD81 and LDLR, whereas HepG2 expressed LDLR but not CD81. Appropriate IgG controls were used as negative controls. <b>(C)</b> Immunofluorescence. HLMF, Huh7.5, PHH, HepG2 and the T98G line were stained for HCV receptors and imaged with a Leica DMR inverted microscope using LAS image analysis (Original magnification X40). The Flow cytometry and IF results are representative of seven HLMF preparations. <b>(D)</b> CLDN-1, OCLN and SR-BI detection using Western blot analysis. Huh7.5 and PHH were used as positive controls and T98G as a negative control for all receptors. The blots are representative of three HLMF preparations.