Inhibition of HCV replication by statins in genotype 1b replicon cells.

<p>LucUbiNeo-ET replicon cells were incubated in the presence of fluvastatin (FLV), pravastatin (PRV), simvastatin (SMV), rosuvastatin (ROV) or atorvastatin (ATV) at the indicated concentrations for 24, 48 or 72 hours. (<b>A</b>) Expression of the LDL-receptor (LDLR) was measured by real time RT-qPCR after 48 h of statin incubation (<b>B–F</b>) Dose- and time-dependent inhibition of HCV replication caused by statins was measured by luciferase reporter assay. Statin mediated effects on cell proliferation were measured after 72 hours of incubation (<b>G</b>) and confirmed by Western Blot analysis (<b>H</b>).