Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. The virus is known for causing chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. One of the critical components of HCV is the nonstructural protein 5 (NS5), which plays a vital role in the virus’s replication and pathogenesis.
The NS5 protein is divided into two distinct regions: NS5A and NS5B. NS5A is a multifunctional phosphoprotein involved in viral replication, modulation of the host cell environment, and interaction with host immune responses . NS5B, on the other hand, is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase responsible for replicating the viral RNA genome .
Recombinant NS5 proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the NS5 gene is cloned and expressed in suitable host cells, such as bacteria or yeast. These recombinant proteins are used in various research and diagnostic applications, including the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies .