HCV NS3 2b
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of liver diseases, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus was first identified in 1989, and since then, extensive research has been conducted to understand its structure, function, and impact on human health .
HCV is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The viral genome encodes a large polyprotein that is processed into structural and non-structural proteins. Among these, the non-structural protein 3 (NS3) plays a crucial role in the viral life cycle. NS3 is a multifunctional enzyme with serine protease and helicase activities, essential for viral replication and polyprotein processing .
The NS3 protein is composed of two domains: the N-terminal serine protease domain and the C-terminal helicase domain. The serine protease domain is responsible for cleaving the viral polyprotein to release functional non-structural proteins, while the helicase domain unwinds RNA secondary structures during replication . The NS3 protein also interacts with host cell factors to modulate the host immune response, aiding in viral persistence .
HCV exhibits significant genetic diversity, classified into seven major genotypes and numerous subtypes. Genotype-2b is one of the less common genotypes but is still clinically relevant. It has distinct epidemiological and therapeutic implications compared to other genotypes. Understanding the specific characteristics of genotype-2b is essential for developing targeted therapies and improving treatment outcomes .
The recombinant NS3 protein, specifically the amino acid region 1356-1459, is a truncated version of the full-length NS3 protein. This region encompasses the functional helicase domain, which is critical for viral RNA replication. Recombinant proteins are produced using various expression systems, such as Escherichia coli, to facilitate biochemical and structural studies .
Recombinant NS3 proteins are invaluable tools in HCV research. They are used to study the enzyme’s structure-function relationships, screen potential antiviral compounds, and develop diagnostic assays. High-level expression and purification of recombinant NS3 proteins enable detailed biophysical and biochemical analyses, contributing to the rational design of new therapeutic strategies .
