Particles of HCV envelope proteins: use for vaccination

Abstract

The present invention is based on the finding that the envelope proteins of HCV induce a beneficial immune response in chronically HCV-infected chimpanzees. The immunization can preferentially be carried out using HCV envelope proteins in the form of particles which are produced in a detergent-assisted manner. The envelope proteins when presented as such to chronic HCV carriers are highly immunogenic and stimulate both the cellular and humoral immune response.

1 . A purified HCV envelope protein or a part thereof wherein at least one cysteine residue is alkylated.  
     
     
         2 . The purified HCV envelope protein according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen on the sulphur atom of said cysteine is replaced by (CH 2 ) n R, in which n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 and R═H, COOH, NH 2 , CONHO 2 , phenyl, or any derivative thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The purified HCV envelope protein according to  claim 1 , wherein said envelope protein is E1 or E1s.  
     
     
         4 . A composition containing the purified HCV envelope protein according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . A specific antibody generated against the purified HCV envelope protein or parts thereof according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . A composition containing the specific antibody according to  claim 5 .  
     
     
         7 . Kit for detecting HCV antigens comprising the specific antibody according to  claim 5  in a suitable container.  
     
     
         8 . Kit for detecting HCV antibodies present in a biological sample comprising the purified HCV envelope protein or parts thereof according to  claim 1 , in a suitable container.  
     
     
         9 . Kit for detecting HCV related T-cell response, comprising the purified HCV envelope protein or parts thereof according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         10 . A method for detecting antibodies to HCV in a biological sample, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (i) providing the purified HCV envelope protein according to  claim 1 ,    (ii) incubating said biological sample with said HCV envelope protein of (i) under conditions allowing formation of a complex between said HCV envelope protein and said antibodies to HCV, and    (iii) determining from (ii) whether said complex has formed and, therefrom, the presence of antibodies to HCV in said biological sample.    
     
     
         11 . A method for detecting HCV antigens in a biological sample, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (i) providing the specific antibody according to  claim 5 ,    (ii) incubating said biological sample with said specific antibody of (i) under conditions allowing formation of a complex between said antibodies and said antigens to HCV, and    (iii) determining from (ii) whether said complex has formed and, therefrom, the presence of HCV antigens in said biological sample.