The Hepatitis C Virus Core 22kDa, Biotin Recombinant is a recombinant protein derived from the core antigen of the Hepatitis C virus. This protein is often used in research and diagnostic applications due to its ability to elicit an immune response and its role in the viral life cycle.
Hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus that primarily affects the liver, leading to conditions such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and has a single-stranded RNA genome. The core protein, also known as the nucleocapsid protein, is one of the first viral proteins produced during infection and plays a crucial role in the assembly and packaging of the viral RNA.
The core protein of the Hepatitis C virus is approximately 22 kilodaltons in size. It is highly conserved among different viral genotypes, making it an ideal target for diagnostic assays. The core protein is involved in the formation of the viral nucleocapsid and interacts with the viral RNA to form the core particle. It also has regulatory functions, influencing the host’s immune response and modulating viral replication.
The recombinant Hepatitis C Virus Core 22kDa protein is typically produced in Escherichia coli expression systems. The gene encoding the core protein is cloned into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into the bacterial cells. The bacteria are cultured, and the recombinant protein is expressed and purified. The biotinylation of the protein allows for easy detection and immobilization in various assays.
The biotinylated recombinant core protein is widely used in research and diagnostic applications. Some of its key uses include: