Fusion and Uncoating
Upon viral entry into the cell, the clathrin cage surrounding the endosome disperses, leaving the endosomal vesicle free within the cytosol. The acidic pH within the endosome triggers fusion between the viral and host membranes, in a process referred to as endosomal fusion. This event permits uncoating of the capsid shell and the release of the HCV RNA into the cytosol for translation and replication.