HCV Core 22kDa, FLSCN
Description
Overview of HCV Core 22kDa, FLSCN
HCV Core 22kDa, FLSCN refers to a fluorescein-labeled recombinant protein derived from the nucleocapsid region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein. This compound is engineered for research and diagnostic applications, enabling fluorescence-based detection of HCV core protein interactions or antigen presence.
Key Features:
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Processing: The native p23 (23 kDa) precursor is cleaved to p21 (21–22 kDa) during maturation, retaining residues 1–174 .
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Localization: Found in cytoplasm and nucleus, with nuclear forms exhibiting distinct epitopes .
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Immunogenicity: Recognized by antibodies in HCV-infected patients, enabling diagnostic utility .
Production and Formulation
The FLSCN-labeled protein is produced via recombinant expression in E. coli, followed by purification and labeling:
Immune Response and Pathogenesis
The core protein interacts with host receptors like gC1qR, triggering inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB) to induce chemokines such as CCL2 and CXCL10 .
| Pathway | Role in HCV Pathogenesis | Source |
|---|---|---|
| gC1qR Binding | Mediates CCL2/CXCL10 secretion in macrophages | |
| NF-κB Activation | Critical for chemokine upregulation (IKKβ inhibition blocks CCL2/CXCL10)** |
Diagnostic Utility
HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) testing, including labeled variants like FLSCN, is validated for:
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Early Detection: Detects core protein release before antibody seroconversion .
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Viral Load Correlation: Quantitative assays (e.g., ARCHITECT) show strong correlation with HCV RNA (>3,000 IU/mL) .
In Vitro Studies
| Application | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA/Western Blot | Detects anti-HCV antibodies in patient sera | |
| Cellular Localization | Confocal microscopy confirms cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution |
Therapeutic Targeting
Single-chain antibodies (e.g., scFv42C) sequester core protein, reducing intracellular levels and reversing core-mediated cell proliferation .
Limitations and Considerations
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Stability: Requires storage at -18°C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles .
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Diagnostic Sensitivity: Lower in early infection or low viral loads compared to NAT .
References
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The virus is known for its ability to cause chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV particle contains a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome that encodes a single polyprotein, which is further processed to generate multiple polypeptides, including structural and nonstructural proteins .
The core protein of HCV is a structural protein that plays a crucial role in the formation of the viral nucleocapsid. It is involved in various stages of the viral life cycle, including viral assembly, replication, and interaction with host cell factors . The core protein is approximately 22 kDa in size and is highly conserved among different HCV genotypes, making it an important target for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Recombinant HCV core proteins are produced using various expression systems to study their structure, function, and immunogenicity. The FLSCN (Full-Length Synthetic Core Nucleocapsid) recombinant HCV core protein is one such example. This recombinant protein is designed to mimic the native core protein of HCV, allowing researchers to investigate its properties in a controlled laboratory setting.
The production of recombinant HCV core proteins typically involves the use of bacterial, yeast, or mammalian expression systems. The gene encoding the core protein is cloned into an expression vector, which is then introduced into the host cells. The recombinant protein is expressed, harvested, and purified using various chromatographic techniques to ensure high purity and yield .
Recombinant HCV core proteins have several applications in research and clinical settings:
- Vaccine Development: The core protein is a potential candidate for HCV vaccine development due to its immunogenic properties. Studies have shown that the core protein can elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses, making it a promising component of HCV vaccines .
- Diagnostic Tools: Recombinant core proteins are used in diagnostic assays to detect HCV infections. These assays rely on the ability of the core protein to bind to specific antibodies present in the blood of infected individuals .
- Therapeutic Research: Understanding the structure and function of the core protein can aid in the development of antiviral therapies. Researchers can use recombinant core proteins to screen for potential inhibitors that target the core protein and disrupt the viral life cycle .
