Figure 1 HCV life cycle and site of action of DAAs Figure 1 | HCV life cycle and site of action of DAAs. Virus entry is facilitated by a sequence of events that include particle binding to the cell surface, interactions with proteins at the junction between cells and, ultimately, receptor-mediated endocytosis. The released RNA genome is translated into a single polyprotein. This polyprotein is processed by cellular and viral proteases. Protease inhibitors target the viral NS3 enzyme. RNA replication takes place at the membranous web. NS5A and NS5B inhibitors affect replication at different stages, and NS5A inhibitors also interfere with the assembly process. DAA, direct-acting antiviral agent; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; LDLR, low-density lipoprotein receptor; RdRp, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; SRB1, scavenger receptor class B member 1. Götte, M. & Feld, J. J. (2016) Direct-acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C: structural and mechanistic insights Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2016.60