Polinucleotidio polinucleotidio recombinant vector, recombinant host cell system, recombinant expression, cell transformed polipeptidio, HCV, preparation of polipeptidio, polipeptidio of HCV.Polipeptidio purified recombinant polipeptidio, polipeptidio of merger with, monoclonal antibody, preparation purified polyclonal antibodies, particle polinucleotidio probe.Epetopo kit antibody to HCV, method for production of polipeptidio, method for deteccao nucleic acids of HCV immunoassay to detect antigeno of HCV.Immunoassay for detecting antibodies directed against antigeno of HCV vaccine for treatment of HCV infection, cell, cell infected with HCV.Method for production of antibodies to HCV and method to isolate cDNA derived from the genome of an infectious agent unidentified

摘要

A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH), but which generally are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV), and also are absent from control individuals. A comparison of these cDNA sequences with the sequences in Genebank, and with the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV shows a lack of substantial homology. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV is a Flavivirus or Flavi-like virus. The HCV cDNA sequences are useful for the design of polynucleotide probes, and for the synthesis of polypeptides which may be used in immunoassays. Both the polynucleotide probes and the polypeptides may be useful for the diagnosis of HCV-induced NANBH, and for screening blood bank specimens and donors for HCV infection. In addition, these cDNA sequences may be useful for the synthesis of immunogenic polypeptides which may be used in vaccines for the treatment, prophylactic and/or therapeutic, of HCV infection. Polypeptides encoded within the cDNA sequences may also be used to raise antibodies against HCV antigens, and for the purification of antibodies directed against HCV antigens. These antibodies may be useful in immunoassays for detecting HCV antigens associated with NANBH in individuals, and in blood bank donations. Moreover, these antibodies may be used for treatment of NANBH in individuals. The reagents provided in the invention also enable the isolation of NANBH agent(s), and the propagation of these agent(s) in tissue culture systems. Moreover, they provide reagents which are useful for screening for antiviral agents for HCV, particularly in tissue culture or animal model systems.