HAV P3C
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a member of the Picornaviridae family and is responsible for causing acute hepatitis in humans. The virus has a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 7.5 kb, encapsidated in a protein shell composed of viral proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3 . The P3C protein, also known as 3C protease, plays a crucial role in the viral life cycle by processing the viral polyprotein and interacting with host cell proteins .
The P3C protease is a cysteine protease that cleaves the viral polyprotein at specific sites to generate functional viral proteins. This protease is essential for the maturation of the viral particles and the replication of the virus . In addition to its role in polyprotein processing, P3C protease also interacts with host cell proteins to modulate the host’s antiviral response, transcription, and translation processes .
Recombinant P3C protein refers to the P3C protease that has been produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves cloning the gene encoding the P3C protease into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a host cell (such as E. coli) to produce the protein in large quantities. Recombinant P3C protein is used in various research applications, including studies on viral replication, protein-protein interactions, and the development of antiviral drugs.
- Viral Replication Studies: Recombinant P3C protein is used to study the mechanisms of HAV replication and the role of P3C protease in the viral life cycle. By understanding how P3C protease processes the viral polyprotein, researchers can identify potential targets for antiviral drugs .
- Protein-Protein Interactions: The interaction of P3C protease with host cell proteins is crucial for the virus to evade the host’s immune response. Recombinant P3C protein is used to identify and characterize these interactions, providing insights into the virus-host relationship .
- Antiviral Drug Development: Inhibitors of P3C protease are potential candidates for antiviral drugs. Recombinant P3C protein is used in high-throughput screening assays to identify compounds that can inhibit the protease activity, thereby blocking viral replication .
