HCV NS5 Genotype-3
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The virus is known for its high genetic variability, which is categorized into seven major genotypes and numerous subtypes. Among these, genotype 3 is particularly prevalent in South Asia and is associated with a higher risk of liver steatosis and fibrosis.
The HCV genome encodes a single polyprotein that is processed into structural and non-structural proteins. The non-structural protein 5 (NS5) is further divided into two subunits: NS5A and NS5B.
- NS5A: This protein plays a crucial role in viral replication and assembly. It is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that interacts with various host cell factors to modulate the viral life cycle and immune response.
- NS5B: This is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase responsible for the replication of the viral RNA genome. It is a key target for antiviral drugs due to its essential role in the viral replication process.
Genotype 3 of HCV is known for its unique clinical and virological features. It is associated with a higher rate of sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-based therapies compared to other genotypes. However, it also poses challenges due to its association with severe liver disease.
Recombinant NS5 proteins are produced using genetic engineering techniques to study their structure, function, and interactions with host cell factors. These recombinant proteins are crucial for developing diagnostic assays, vaccines, and antiviral drugs.
- Production: Recombinant NS5 proteins are typically produced in bacterial or mammalian expression systems. The genes encoding NS5A and NS5B are cloned into expression vectors, which are then introduced into host cells to produce the proteins.
- Applications: Recombinant NS5 proteins are used in various research applications, including the development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detecting HCV antibodies, screening for antiviral drugs, and studying the mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis.
