In vivo and in vitro trans-cleavage activity of hepatitis C virus serine proteinase expressed by recombinant baculoviruses

J Gen Virol. 1995 Dec:76 ( Pt 12):3021-9. doi: 10.1099/0022-1317-76-12-3021.

Abstract

By the use of recombinant baculoviruses, the trans-cleavage of hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural polyprotein was studied. The viral serine proteinase encoded by the NS3 gene was expressed efficiently in insect cells infected with a baculovirus recombined with HCV cDNA corresponding to amino acids 1046-1243 and the signal sequence of the rabies virus G protein. Coinfection studies showed the in vivo trans-cleavage activity of the expressed protein by the use of a recombinant producing NS5 as a substrate. We also found that the partially purified NS3 serine proteinase prepared from the recombinant-infected cells could cleave NS5A/5B substrate. Characterization of the proteinase obtained wil provide basic knowledge on processing of the HCV polyprotein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral*
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Viral
  • Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Hepacivirus / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Insecta
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses / genetics*
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Protein Sorting Signals / genetics
  • Rabies virus / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Serine Endopeptidases / isolation & purification
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Glycoproteins
  • NS3 protein, hepatitis C virus
  • Protein Precursors
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • glycoprotein G, Rabies virus
  • Serine Endopeptidases