Abstract: 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 (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBV agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Detections from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: 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 (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBV agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: 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 are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

Abstract: 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 (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining recombinantly produced, C-terminally truncated, E1 and E2 polypeptides from cell lysates are disclosed. The intracellularly expressed truncated molecules display improved biological properties as compared to their secreted counterparts.

Abstract: 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 (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.

Abstract: 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 are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Detections from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteases are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining recombinantly produced, C-terminally truncated, E1 and E2 polypeptides from cell lysates are disclosed. The intracellularly expressed truncated molecules display improved biological properties as compared to their secreted counterparts.

Abstract: The protease necessary for polyprotein processing in Hepatitis C virus is identified, cloned, and expressed. Proteases, truncated protease, and altered proteaces are disclosed which are useful for cleavage of specific polypeptides, and for assay and design of antiviral agents specific for HCV.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Detections from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: Combinations of HCV antigens that have a broader range of immunological reactivity than any single HCV antigen. The combinations consist of an antigen from the C domain of the HCV polyprotein, and at least one additional HCV antigen from either the NS3 domain, the NS4 domain, the S domain, or the NS5 domain, and are in the form of a fusion protein, a simple physical mixture, or the individual antigens commonly bound to a solid matrix.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS3 protein contains amino acid motifs of a serine proteinase, a nucleotide triphosphatase (NTPase), and an RNA helicase. A carboxy fragment of the HCV NS3 protein was purified and possessed RNA helicase activity. Deletions from the amino terminus resulted in the protein becoming soluble. Deletions from the carboxy terminus do not result in a loss of helicase activity until at least 50 amino acids are deleted. The helicase activity requires ATP and divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. The helicase activity was blocked by monoclonal antibody specific to the HCV NS3 protein.

Abstract: 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 are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicates that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBH agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.