NS4A
The nonstructural protein 4a (NS4A) is the smallest of the nonstructural HCV proteins. The NS4A protein has multiple functions in the HCV life cycle, including (1) anchoring the NS3-4A complex to the outer leaflet of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial outer membrane, (2) serving as a cofactor for the NS3A serine protease, (3) augmenting NS3A helicase activity, and (4) regulating NS5A hyperphosphorylation and viral replication. The interactions between NS4A and NS4B control genome replication and between NS3 and NS4A play a role in virus assembly.