Method of detecting antibodies to HCV

Abstract

A family of cDNA sequences derived from hepatitis C virus (HCV) are provided. These sequences encode antigens which react immunologically with antibodies present in individuals with non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBV), but which are absent from individuals infected with hepatitis A virus, or hepatitis B virus, and also are absent in control individuals. The HCV cDNA sequences lack substantial homology to the sequences of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and HBV. A comparison of the sequences of amino acids encoded in the HCV cDNA with the sequences of Flaviviruses indicated that HCV may be related to the Flaviviruses. The HCV cDNA sequences and the polypeptides encoded therein are useful as reagents for the detection and therapy of HCV. The reagents provided in the invention are also useful for the isolation of NANBV agent(s), for the propagation of these agents in tissue culture, and for the screening of antiviral agents for HCV.

1 . An immunoassay method for detecting antibodies directed against an NANBV or HCV antigen in a biological specimen comprising: 
 (a) incubating a biological sample with a probe polypeptide under conditions which allow the formation of an antibody-antigen complex, wherein said polypeptide is encoded in NANBV or HCV which contains a genome which encodes a polypeptide which is immunologically reactive with an antibody to a polypeptide encoded by a cDNA selected from the cDNAs in clones 5-1-1, 1-2, 81, and 91; and    (b) detecting an antibody-antigen complex containing the probe antigen.    
     
     
         2 . The immunoassay method of  claim 1  wherein the probe polypeptide is encoded in cDNA of clone 5-1-1.  
     
     
         3 . The immunoassay method of  claim 1  wherein the probe polypeptide is encoded in cDNA of clone 81.