Abstract
To characterize the putative NS1/E2 (non-structural protein 1/envelope 2) domain of HCV (hepatitis C virus), we expressed the hydrophilic three-quarters of this domain in a form of MBP (maltose binding protein) fusions in Escherichia coli. When we checked the positive frequency of antibody to this fusion protein, 17% of patients with type C chronic liver disease had this antibody. However, they were all positive for HCV-RNA in sera. These results suggest that the appearance of anti-NS1/E2 antibody does not serve as evidence of viral clearance.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters*
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Chronic Disease
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Escherichia coli / genetics
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Escherichia coli Proteins*
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Gene Expression
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Hepacivirus / genetics
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Hepacivirus / immunology*
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Hepatitis C / genetics
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Hepatitis C / immunology*
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Humans
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Liver Diseases / immunology
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Maltose-Binding Proteins
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Monosaccharide Transport Proteins*
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Protein Conformation
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology*
Substances
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
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Carrier Proteins
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Escherichia coli Proteins
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Maltose-Binding Proteins
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Monosaccharide Transport Proteins
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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maltose transport system, E coli