Isolation, Cloning and Co-expression of Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Proteins: As Potential HCV Detecting Antigens

Aim: Approximately 3% of the world population is infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) which is the main cause of chronic liver disease. Blood transfusion is thought to be the leading cause of global epidemic of HCV. The envelope proteins E1 and E2 are involved in the early stages of the virus life cycle. These proteins have a major role in binding to receptors on the cell surface, fusion and integration of the virus into the host cell. Considering the potency of E1 and E2 in the development of diagnostic methods, the aim of our present study was co-expression of recombinant envelope proteins in eukaryotic HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cells.

Methods: The viral genomic RNA was used for cDNA (complementary DNA) synthesis. Isolation of HCV envelope proteins coding fragment was performed using cDNA and specific primers. The target gene was cloned into pcDNA3.1 expression vector, and transfected into HEK293 cells, an expression host. Accuracy of the cloning and expression was confirmed using PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results: The isolation and cloning of the gene fragment encoding the E1 and E2 proteins was successful. Co-expression of these proteins was confirmed using monoclonal antibodies specific for each protein.

Conclusion: This study showed that HEK293 host cell is suitable for the expression of hepatitis C virus E1 and E2 coding gene. These proteins can be used in numerous virological studies and detection of HCV infection.