Conformational Flexibility in the CD81-Binding Site of the Hepatitis C Virus Glycoprotein E2.

ABSTRACT: Numerous antibodies have been described that potently neutralize a broad range of hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolates and the majority of these antibodies target the binding site for the cellular receptor CD81 within the major HCV glycoprotein E2. A detailed understanding of the major antigenic determinants is crucial for the design of an efficient vaccine that elicits high levels of such antibodies. In the past 6 years, structural studies have shed additional light on the way the host's humoral immune system recognizes neutralization epitopes within the HCV glycoproteins. One of the most striking findings from these studies is that the same segments of the E2 polypeptide chain induce antibodies targeting distinct antigen conformations. This was demonstrated by several crystal structures of i

SUBMITTER: Stroh LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6015841 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature