HCV Combined

Hepatitis C Virus Combined Recombinant
Cat. No.
BT10816
Source
Synonyms
Appearance
Purity
HCV protein is >95% pure as determined by 10% PAGE (coomassie staining).
Usage
THE BioTek's products are furnished for LABORATORY RESEARCH USE ONLY. The product may not be used as drugs, agricultural or pesticidal products, food additives or household chemicals.
Shipped with Ice Packs
In Stock

Description

The E.Coli derived 70 kDa recombinant protein contains sequences from 4 gene products (proteins) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) were scanned by using 3 different PCR-based techniques in search of the most immunoreactive regions suitable for the development of a diagnostic test for the detection of anti-HCV in human sera. All PCR fragments were cloned with pGEX4-2T expression vector and expressed in E. coli as chimeric proteins with glutathione S-transferase. The most diagnostically relevant proteins identified in this study were then contructed into one recombinant antigen.
The protein contains the HCV nucleocapsid, NS3 genotype 1b, NS4 genotype 1b and 1a, and NS5 genotype 1b and 1a immunodominant regions.

Product Specs

Introduction
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small (50nm), enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus with a positive sense genome. It belongs to the family Flaviviridae. HCV replicates rapidly, producing about a trillion particles daily in an infected person. Its RNA polymerase lacks proofreading ability, leading to a high mutation rate, which contributes to its ability to evade the host's immune system. HCV is classified into six genotypes (1-6), each with multiple subtypes. The distribution and prevalence of these genotypes vary globally. Genotype determination is crucial clinically as it influences the choice and duration of interferon-based therapy. Genotypes 1 and 4 are known to respond less effectively to interferon-based treatment compared to genotypes 2, 3, 5, and 6.
Description
This 70 kDa recombinant protein is derived from E. coli and encompasses sequences from four gene products (proteins) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). These sequences were identified using three PCR-based techniques to pinpoint the most immunoreactive regions, making them suitable for developing diagnostic tests to detect anti-HCV antibodies in human serum. Each PCR fragment was cloned into the pGEX4-2T expression vector, leading to its expression in E. coli as a chimeric protein fused with glutathione S-transferase. The most diagnostically significant proteins were then combined to create a single recombinant antigen. This protein includes immunodominant regions from the HCV nucleocapsid, NS3 genotype 1b, NS4 genotypes 1b and 1a, and NS5 genotypes 1b and 1a.
Purity
The HCV protein exhibits a purity greater than 95% as determined by 10% SDS-PAGE analysis with Coomassie blue staining.
Formulation
The protein is supplied in a buffer composed of 50mM Sodium Phosphate (pH 8.5), 2.4mM EDTA, 5mM DTT, and 0.1% SDS.
Stability
While HCV protein remains stable at 4°C for a week, it is recommended to store it at temperatures below -18°C. Repeated freezing and thawing should be avoided.
Applications
This HCV Antigen is suitable for use in ELISA and Western blotting. It is a highly effective antigen for HCV detection with minimal specificity issues.
Purification Method
HCV protein was purified by proprietary chromatographic technique.
Specificity
Immunoreactive with sera of HCV-infected individuals.

Product Science Overview

Introduction

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that encodes a single polyprotein, which is further processed into at least 11 polypeptides/proteins, including three structural proteins (core, and envelope proteins E1 and E2), a small polypeptide named p7, the novel F protein, and six nonstructural (NS) proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B) . Chronic HCV infection can lead to severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma .

Recombinant HCV

Recombinant HCV variants are formed through the recombination of genetic material from different HCV strains. This process can occur naturally within an infected individual or artificially in a laboratory setting. Recombinant HCV strains have been identified in various regions, with the 2k/1b strain being the most widely spread . Recombination is an important driver of genetic diversity in HCV, although it is relatively uncommon compared to other viruses .

Significance of Recombinant HCV

The study of recombinant HCV is crucial for understanding the virus’s evolution, genetic diversity, and mechanisms of resistance to antiviral therapies. Recombinant strains can provide insights into the virus’s ability to adapt and survive under selective pressures, such as immune responses and antiviral treatments . Additionally, recombinant HCV strains can serve as valuable tools for developing vaccines and therapeutic strategies.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the potential benefits of studying recombinant HCV, several challenges remain. The low frequency of recombination events and the difficulty in detecting recombinant strains in clinical samples pose significant obstacles . Future research should focus on improving detection methods and understanding the factors that drive recombination in HCV. Advances in these areas could lead to more effective treatments and preventive measures for HCV infection.

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