HCV Core Genotype-6a
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a bloodborne virus that primarily targets the liver, leading to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is classified into seven major genotypes, each with multiple subtypes. Genotype 6 is predominantly found in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia. Among the subtypes of genotype 6, genotype 6a is one of the most studied due to its prevalence and unique characteristics.
The core protein of HCV is a highly conserved structural protein that plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle. It is involved in the formation of the viral nucleocapsid, which encases the viral RNA genome. The core protein also interacts with host cell machinery to modulate various cellular processes, including lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and immune response. The recombinant form of the HCV core protein, particularly from genotype 6a, is used in research to study these interactions and to develop potential therapeutic strategies.
Recombinant proteins are artificially produced proteins that are generated through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the protein of interest into an expression system, such as bacteria or mammalian cells, to produce the protein in large quantities. The recombinant HCV core protein from genotype 6a is used in various research applications, including structural studies, vaccine development, and drug screening.
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Structural Studies: The structure of the HCV core protein provides insights into its function and interactions with other viral and host proteins. For example, the structure of the HCV envelope glycoprotein E2 core from genotype 6a has been studied in complex with broadly neutralizing antibodies, revealing important details about the virus’s entry mechanism and potential targets for vaccine development .
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Vaccine Development: The recombinant HCV core protein is a key component in the development of HCV vaccines. By studying the immune response to the core protein, researchers can identify epitopes that elicit strong and broad neutralizing antibody responses. This information is crucial for designing effective vaccines that can protect against multiple HCV genotypes .
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Drug Screening: The recombinant HCV core protein is also used in high-throughput screening assays to identify potential antiviral compounds. By testing the effects of various compounds on the core protein’s function, researchers can discover new drugs that inhibit HCV replication and assembly .
