Key message
Placental-derived JEG-3 cells support the full Hepatitis E virus (HEV) life cycle in vitro and in comparison to hepatoma cells show a cell type specific differential antiviral response of genotype 3 and genotype 1 HEV to interferon treatment.
Translational perspective
This new cell culture system can be used to study the pathogenic mechanisms of HEV infection in pregnancy in vitro and to develop new antiviral therapies for HEV infections in pregnant women.