E2
The envelope glycoprotein E2 protein is a heavily glycosylated transmembrane protein that associates with the E1 envelope glycoprotein to form E1-E2 heterodimers. These E1-E2 heterodimers are embedded in the host-derived lipid membrane and together they form the HCV envelope. The E2 protein has an elongated shape and plays a role in host receptor binding, entry, and fusion with the endosomal membrane. The E2 protein binds to several host cell surface receptors, including CD81 and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1).