MicroRNA-122-dependent and -independent replication of Hepatitis C Virus in Hep3B human hepatoma cells

► Hep3B cells given miR-122 permit the complete Hepatitis C Virus life cycle. ► We have identified miR-122-independent replication of HCV using Hep3B cells. ► Ago2 is required for miR-122-dependent, but not -independent replication. ► Hep3B cells have been validated as useful for new discoveries in HCV research.