HCV is a small 50nm, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNAvirus in the family Flaviviridae.
HCV has a high rate of replication with approximately one trillion particles produced each day in an infected individual. Due to lack of proofreading by the HCV RNA polymerase, the HCV has an exceptionally high mutation rate, a factor that may help it elude the host's immune response. Hepatitis C virus is classified into six genotypes(1-6) with several subtypes within each genotype. The preponderance and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally. Genotype is clinically important in determining potential response to interferon-based therapy and the required duration of such therapy. Genotypes 1 and 4 are less responsive to interferon-based treatment than are the other genotypes (2, 3, 5 and 6).

The E.coli derived 19 kDa recombinant protein contains the HCV NS4 immunodominant regions, amino acids 1658-1863. The protein is fused with b-galactosidase (114 kDa) at N-terminus, pI 5.45.

HCV NS4 a+b protein was purified by proprietary chromatographic technique.

HCV NS4 a+b protein is >95% pure as determined by 10% PAGE (coomassie staining).

20mM Tris-HCl pH 8, 8M urea.

Immunoreactive with sera of HCV-infected individuals.

HCV NS4 a+b antigen is suitable for ELISA and Western blots, excellent antigen for detection of HCV with minimal specificity problems.

1658 TWVLVGGVLAALAAYCLSTGCVVIVGRVVLSGKPAIIPDREVLYREF
DEMEECSQHLPYIEQGMMLAEQFKQKALGLLQTASRQAEVIAPAVQTNW
QKLETFWAKHMWNFISGIQYLAGLSTLPGNPAIASLMAFTAAVTSPLTTSQ
TLLFNILGGWVAAQLAAPGAATAFVGAGLAGAAIGSVGLGKVLIDILAGYGA
GVAGAL 1863.

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