Recombinant Hepatitis C Virus 4th Generation

Source : Escherichia Coli. The E.Coli derived recombinant protein contains a HCV fourth generation antigen, containing medium size core NS3, 3 & 2 epitopes from NS4 and NS5, respectively. The genotype of all sequences is 1b. The recombinant protein migrates at 33kDa. This fourth generation HCV antigen is suitable to produce HCV lateral flow immunoassay product tested by whole blood, serum and plasma. The peptides from four regions, core, NS3, NS4, NS5 are fused together. Add 70ul-80ul whole blood, serum or plasma, due to high volume antibody sample, this medium size antigen is used. 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) .