The article provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in understanding the replication and function of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) since its discovery over 15 years ago. Initially, HCV replication was limited to humans or experimentally infected chimpanzees, and efficient growth in cell culture was challenging. However, significant advancements have been made, leading to the development of the first wave of antiviral drugs entering clinical trials. Key milestones include the identification of HCV's genome sequence, the characterization of its gene products, and the establishment of reverse genetics systems. The HCV life cycle involves interactions with specific surface receptors, viral genome entry, translation, replication, and particle production. The article highlights the roles of key viral proteins, such as NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B, in viral replication and the formation of the membranous web, a structure associated with viral replication. Recent studies have also explored the interplay between HCV and host cell membranes, lipid metabolism, and the role of specific host proteins in HCV replication. The discovery of the JFH-1 isolate, which can replicate efficiently in cell culture without adaptive mutations, has been particularly significant. This isolate may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying HCV replication and the development of antiviral strategies. The article concludes by discussing the future prospects for HCV research, emphasizing the need to further understand the virus's entry, replication, and virion production processes to develop more effective antiviral therapies.The article provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made in understanding the replication and function of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) since its discovery over 15 years ago. Initially, HCV replication was limited to humans or experimentally infected chimpanzees, and efficient growth in cell culture was challenging. However, significant advancements have been made, leading to the development of the first wave of antiviral drugs entering clinical trials. Key milestones include the identification of HCV's genome sequence, the characterization of its gene products, and the establishment of reverse genetics systems. The HCV life cycle involves interactions with specific surface receptors, viral genome entry, translation, replication, and particle production. The article highlights the roles of key viral proteins, such as NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B, in viral replication and the formation of the membranous web, a structure associated with viral replication. Recent studies have also explored the interplay between HCV and host cell membranes, lipid metabolism, and the role of specific host proteins in HCV replication. The discovery of the JFH-1 isolate, which can replicate efficiently in cell culture without adaptive mutations, has been particularly significant. This isolate may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying HCV replication and the development of antiviral strategies. The article concludes by discussing the future prospects for HCV research, emphasizing the need to further understand the virus's entry, replication, and virion production processes to develop more effective antiviral therapies.