HCV NS4 a+b
Description
Product Specs
DEMEECSQHLPYIEQGMMLAEQFKQKALGLLQTASRQAEVIAPAVQTNW
QKLETFWAKHMWNFISGIQYLAGLSTLPGNPAIASLMAFTAAVTSPLTTSQ
TLLFNILGGWVAAQLAAPGAATAFVGAGLAGAAIGSVGLGKVLIDILAGYGA
GVAGAL 1863.
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The virus is classified within the Hepacivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. The HCV genome is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA, approximately 9.6 kilobases in length, encoding a single polyprotein that is processed into structural and nonstructural proteins .
The HCV polyprotein is cleaved into at least 11 distinct proteins, including three structural proteins (core, E1, and E2) and several nonstructural proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B) . Among these, the NS4 region is particularly noteworthy as it comprises two nonstructural proteins: NS4A and NS4B.
- NS4A: This protein acts as a cofactor for the NS3 protease, enhancing its enzymatic activity. NS4A is essential for the proper functioning of the NS3-4A protease complex, which is crucial for the cleavage of the HCV polyprotein and the subsequent viral replication process .
- NS4B: This protein plays a pivotal role in the formation of the membranous web, a specialized structure derived from the endoplasmic reticulum, which serves as the site for HCV RNA replication. NS4B induces membrane alterations and is involved in the assembly of the replication complex .
Recombinant NS4 proteins are artificially synthesized versions of the NS4A and NS4B proteins. These recombinant proteins are typically produced using expression systems such as Escherichia coli. They are utilized in various research applications, including the study of HCV biology, the development of diagnostic assays, and the formulation of potential vaccines .
- Diagnostic Assays: Recombinant NS4 proteins are used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Western blot analyses to detect antibodies against HCV in patient sera. These assays are crucial for the diagnosis of HCV infection and the monitoring of immune responses in infected individuals .
- Vaccine Development: The immunogenic properties of NS4 proteins make them potential candidates for inclusion in HCV vaccines. Research is ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant NS4 proteins in eliciting protective immune responses .
- Therapeutic Research: Understanding the structure and function of NS4A and NS4B proteins aids in the development of antiviral therapies targeting these proteins. Inhibitors of the NS3-4A protease complex, for example, have shown promise in clinical trials .
