HCV peptide compositions

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 . A purified polypeptide comprising a fragment encoded within a NANBV or HCV genome, which genome encodes a polypeptide which is immunologically reactive with an antibody to a polypeptide encoded within a cDNA selected from the cDNAs from clones 5-1-1, 81, 91 and 1-2, and wherein the fragment contains an epitope which is immunologically identifiable with an epitope contained within NANBV or HCV.  
     
     
         2 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1  wherein the cDNA is from clone 5-1-1.  
     
     
         3 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 2  wherein the fragment is a truncated sequence.  
     
     
         4 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 3  wherein the truncated sequence is truncated at the amino terminus.  
     
     
         5 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 4  wherein the truncated sequence is 30 amino acids long.  
     
     
         6 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1  wherein the cDNA is from clone 81.  
     
     
         7 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1  wherein the cDNA is from clone 91.  
     
     
         8 . The purified polypeptide of  claim 1  wherein the cDNA is from clone 1-2.  
     
     
         9 . A kit for analyzing biological samples for the presence of antibodies directed against NANBV or HCV comprising: 
 (a) a polypeptide containing an NANBV or HCV epitope, wherein the NANBV or HCV 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 from clones 5-1-1, 81, 91 and 1-2;    (b) means for detecting complexes formed by the polypeptide and an antibody;    (c) standards for the analysis; and    (d) instructions for sample analysis.    
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 9  wherein the cDNA is from clone 5-1-1.  
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 9  wherein the cDNA is from clone 81.  
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 9  wherein the cDNA is from clone 91.  
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 9  wherein the cDNA is from clone 1-2.  
     
     
         14 . A purified polypeptide comprising a fragment encoded with a NANBV or HCV genome, wherein the NANBV or HCV genome contains sequences corresponding to those of a cDNA shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , wherein the fragment contains an epitope which is immunologically identifiable with one encoded in the NANBV or HCV genome.