Sequence evolution of putative cytotoxic T cell epitopes in NS3 region of hepatitis C virus.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Quasispecies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the foundation for rapid sequence evolution of HCV to evade immune surveillance of hosts. The consensus sequence evolution of a segment of HCV NS3 region, which encompasses putative cytotoxic T cell epitopes, was evaluated.

Methods

Three male patients, infected with HCV through multiple transfusions, were identified from clinical symptoms and monitored by aminotransferase for 60 months. Blood samples taken at months 0, 32, and 60 were used for viral RNA extraction. A segment of HCV NS3 region was amplified from the RNA extraction by RT-PCR and subjected to subcloning and sequencing. HLA types of these three patients were determined using complement-dependent microlymphocytotoxic assay. CTL epitopes were predicted using MHC bind

SUBMITTER: Guo HZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4726999 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature