IKK-alpha mediates Hepatitis C Virus induced Lipid Accumulation

What is it about?

This editorial comments on a report by Li et al, published in Nature Medicine (Nat Med 2013;19:722-729). The article describes a novel mechanism for a key link in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle. HCV induces accumulation of lipid (fat) in infected liver cells, but the mechanism was unknown. This paper describes a novel mechanism where the cellular protein DDX3X binds viral RNA, activating the molecule IKK-alpha and causing it to go to the nucleus, switching on key lipid genes.

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Why is it important?

This work is significant as it explains a key part of the HCV life cycle and provides a novel antiviral drug target. The article shows that inhibiting IKK-alpha in HCV infected cells reduces production of new virus particles, by preventing accumulation of cellular lipids. Specific inhibitors of IKK-alpha have been developed and may be useful to improve cure rates for people with chronic HCV infection, in combination with other antiviral drugs.