Introduction

Function

Bile Salt Uptake

HBV/HDV Infection

Structure

Proline/Glycine Hinge

Core and Panel Domains

Sodium Binding Region

Significant Residues

The vast majority of residues involved in bile salt uptake are also involved in HBV/HDV infection. of Human NTCP have been shown to be vital for preS1 domain recognition along with bile salt uptake. Residues 157-165 (INSERT GREEN LINK) have also been shown to be vital for preS1 recognition and bile salt uptake. Altering residues in either of these two sections hinders preS1 binding and therefore HBV/HDV infection. However, these mutations also prevent bile salt uptake.

Mechanisms

Bile Salt Uptake

HBV/HDV Infection

HBV/HDV infection is reliant on multiple properties that must be present on both the virus itself and the NTCP protein. First, the HBV/HDV capsid must be myristoylated (INSERT BLUE LINK) in order for proper recognition by NTCP. Residues 2-48 are the most significant residues of HBV/HDV that are highly conserved amongst these viruses that are vital for infection. Specifically, residues 8-17 on HBV/HDV have been identified as the most important. These residues are NPLGFFPDHQ. There are two proposed mechanisms as to how exactly HBV/HDV bind to NTCP and enter the cell. The first mechanism involves the myristoyl group of preS1 binding to the host cell membrane, not NTCP, and residues P8-H17 interacting with NTCP residues 157-165. The second mechanism involves the myristoyl group of preS1 binding directly into the open-pore of NTCP interacting with residues 157-165. In both proposed mechanisms, the interactions with the extracellular residues 84-87 of NTCP is unknown.

Medical Relevance