Dynamics of lipid droplets induced by the hepatitis C virus core protein

► Hepatitis C virus uses lipid droplets (LD) onto which HCV core proteins bind. ► HCV core proteins on LDs facilitate viral particle assembly. ► We used a novel combination of CARS, two-photon fluorescence, and DIC microscopies. ► Particle tracking experiments show that core slowly affects LD localization. ► Particle tracking measured the change in speed and directionality of LD movement. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health problem, with limited treatment options and no vaccine available. HCV uses components of the host cell to proliferate, including lipid droplets (LD) onto which HCV core proteins bind and facilitate viral particle assembly. We have measured the dynamics of HCV core protein-mediated changes in LDs and rates of LD movement on microtubules using a combination of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), two-photon fluorescence (TPF), and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopies. Results show that the HCV core protein induces rapid increases in LD size. Particle tracking experiments show that HCV core protein slowly affects LD localization by controlling the directionality of LD movement on microtubules. These dynamic processes ultimately aid HCV in propagating and the molecules and interactions involved represent novel targets for potential therapeutic intervention.