Structural and functional studies of scavenger receptor class B type
Scavenger receptor Class B type 1 (SR-B1) is a high density lipoprotein receptor and is essential for hepatitis C Virus entry. The role of SR-B1 in HCV entry is believed to be through a direct interaction between E2 and the extracellular domain of SR-B1 as well as the interaction of lipoproteins with HCV and SR-B1. Recombinant forms of SR-B1 will be used to probe the role of SR-B1 in HCV entry and for use n crystallography studies for three-dimensional structure determination. These studies will provide new information regarding how HCV interacts with cellular receptors and new targets for inhibitor development.
Funding Support: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)