Recombinant Hepatitis C Virus Core 2b protein (ab91302)

HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) viral core protein forms the internal viral coat that encapsidates the genomic RNA and is enveloped in a host cell-derived lipid membrane. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein represents the first 177 amino acids of the viral precursor polyprotein and is cotranslationally inserted into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. The N terminus of the core protein is involved in transcriptional repression. There are over 20 different subtypes of Hepatitis C Virus. The preponderance and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally. HCV Genotype information is important because of the role it plays in predicting HCV medical treatment response and treatment duration. Sustained cure rates (sustained viral response) of 75% or better occur in people with genotypes HCV 2 and 3 in 24 weeks of treatment. Genotypes 1a and 1b, the most prevalent worldwide, have the poorest rates of response to the present treatment regimen, which is a combination of pegylated alfa interferon 2b with ribavirin. HCV core protein is among the most conserved proteins in HCV and is known to induce sensitization of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Therefore, it is a prime candidate for a component of a potential HCV vaccine.