<unk> s are proteins that bind lipids (oil-soluble substances such as fat and cholesterol) to form lipoproteins. They transport lipids (and fat soluble vitamins) in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and lymph. The lipid components of lipoproteins are insoluble in water. However, because of their detergent-like (amphipathic) properties,<unk> s and other amphipathic molecules (such as phospholipids) can surround the lipids, creating a lipoprotein particle that is itself water-soluble, and can thus be carried through water-based circulation (i.e., blood, lymph). In addition to stabilizing lipoprotein structure and solubilizing the lipid component,<unk> s interact with lipoprotein receptors and lipid transport proteins, thereby participating in lipoprotein uptake and clearance. They also serve as enzyme cofactors for specific enzymes involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins.<unk> s are also exploited by hepatitis C virus (HCV) to enable virus entry, assembly, and transmission. They play a role in viral pathogenesis and viral evasion from neutralizing antibodies.
Apolipoprotein
Lipoprotein
Very low-density lipoprotein
High-density lipoprotein
Intermediate-density lipoprotein
Low-density lipoprotein
Lipoprotein-X
Cholesterol