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Full-length sequence analysis of hepatitis C virus genotype 3b strains and development of an in vivo infectious 3b cDNA clone.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

HCV genotype 3b is a difficult-to-treat subtype, associated with accelerated progression of liver disease and resistance to antivirals. Moreover, its prevalence has significantly increased among persons who inject drugs posing a serious risk of transmission in the general population. Thus, more genetic information and antiviral testing systems are required to develop novel therapeutic options for this genotype 3 subtype. We determined the complete genomic sequence and complexity of three genotype 3b isolates, which will be beneficial to study its biology and evolution. Furthermore, we developed a full-length in vivo infectious cDNA clone of genotype 3b and showed its robustness and genetic stability in human-liver chimeric mice. This is, to our knowledge the first reported infectious cDNA clone of HCV genotype 3b and will provide a valuable tool to evaluate antivirals and neutralizing antibodies in vivo, as well as in the development of infectious cell culture systems required for further research.

SUBMITTER: Bajpai PS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10734419 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Full-length sequence analysis of hepatitis C virus genotype 3b strains and development of an <i>in vivo</i> infectious 3b cDNA clone.

Bajpai Priyanka Shukla PS Collignon Laura L Sølund Christina C Madsen Lone Wulff LW Christensen Peer Brehm PB Øvrehus Anne A Weis Nina N Holmbeck Kenn K Fahnøe Ulrik U Bukh Jens J

Journal of virology 20231121 12

<h4>Importance</h4>HCV genotype 3b is a difficult-to-treat subtype, associated with accelerated progression of liver disease and resistance to antivirals. Moreover, its prevalence has significantly increased among persons who inject drugs posing a serious risk of transmission in the general population. Thus, more genetic information and antiviral testing systems are required to develop novel therapeutic options for this genotype 3 subtype. We determined the complete genomic sequence and complexi ...[more]

PMID: 38092564

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