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Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a blood-borne pathogen, infects hepatocytes and was discovered in 1989 and is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide. As a virology antibody expert, Creative Biolabs offers a comprehensive series of HCV antibody services to advance your research.

HCV Structure

HCV genome is a single-stranded RNA with positive polarity, is classified in the family Flaviviridae and genus Hepacivirus. HCV particles are 50-80 nm in diameter. The viral genome is composed of approximately 9600 nucleotides and encodes a single open reading frame of 3010 amino acids. The HCV genome encodes a polyprotein that is subsequently processed into three viral structural proteins that form the viral particle (core and envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2) and seven non-structural proteins (p7, NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B) that are essential for viral replication. Viral strains differ by up to 30% at the nucleotide level and are classified into seven genotypes.

HCV structure and genome organization. Fig.1 HCV structure and genome organization. (Roe, 2008)

Pathogenesis

HCV is a blood-transmitted virus that reaches the liver via circulation. HCV virions bind to the host cellular receptors via E2. Multiple cellular receptors have been identified, such as the scavenger receptor class B type I, CD81, claudin-1, etc. The pathogenesis of HCV infection is quite complex and regulated by host immunity as well as several metabolic activities influencing liver function. There are several conditions that have a strong association with HCV pathogenesis:

  • Immune-mediated cytolysis
  • HCV-induced insulin resistance
  • HCV-associated oxidative stress
  • HCV-induced steatosis

HCV replication cycle. Fig.2 HCV replication cycle. (Preciado, 2014)

Symptom

Because new HCV infections are usually asymptomatic, few people are diagnosed. Some people with acute hepatitis C do have symptoms within 1 to 3 months after they are exposed to the virus. When signs and symptoms are present, they may include jaundice, along with fatigue, nausea, fever, itchy skin, and muscle aches. The HCV-related liver disease gradually advances from chronic hepatitis to liver cirrhosis and to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Natural history and biological processes in HCV-induced HCC development. Fig.3 Natural history and biological processes in HCV-induced HCC development. (Hoshida, 2014)

Epidemiology

HCV is a bloodborne virus and HCV transmission primarily occurs via parenteral routes. The epidemic of recreational injection drugs and unsafe injections resulted in a large number of HCV infections during the 20th century. HCV infection is unevenly distributed in different countries, with worldwide prevalence in the general population ranging from 0.5 to 6.5%. In 2019, the CDC reported 137,713 persons in the United States with a new diagnosis of chronic HCV. HCV infection affects persons of all ages, but most acute cases of hepatitis C and the highest prevalence of anti-HCV are found among young adults.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Therefore, the next big challenge for HCV is to develop a vaccine, and developing at least a partially effective vaccine seems feasible based on the knowledge acquired over the last 20 years. The remarkable HCV mutation rate represents a challenging task for vaccine development.

Treatment for hepatitis C is with antiviral medicines. They can cure the disease in most cases. The goal of treatment is to have no HCV detected in the patient‘s body at least 12 weeks after you complete treatment.

Anti-HCV Products and Services

Creative Biolabs now provides various HCV antibodies such as E1, E2, NS3, core protein, etc. In addition, we provide customized antibody services based on clients’ demands. We also provide other hepatitis virus antibodies, referred to as types A, B, D and E. Please feel free to contact us for further information.

References

  1. Roe, B.; Hall, W.W. Cellular and molecular interactions in coinfection with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. Expert Rev Mol Med. 2008, 10: e30.
  2. Preciado, M.V.; et al. Hepatitis C virus molecular evolution: transmission, disease progression and antiviral therapy. World J Gastroenterol. 2014, 20(43): 15992-16013.
  3. Hoshida, Y.; et al. Pathogenesis and prevention of hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol. 2014, 61(1): S79-90.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

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