HCV Core NS4 [5D4/10E7]

The Hep C (Hepatitis C) is a small, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae. Transmission of the virus occurs when blood from an infected individual enters the body of an uninfected individual. Hep C primarily replicates within hepatocytes in the liver, and circulating Hep C particles bind to receptors on the surface and enter these cells. Hep C replicates quickly, producing approximately one trillion particles each day in infected individuals. Hep C RNA polymerase has no proofreading function, so the virus has an exceptionally high mutation rate which may help it elude the host’s immune system. Hep C infection results in chronic infections, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in most people. Hep C NS3 (nonstructural protein 3) has both protease and helicase activities and is essential for Hep C replication and proliferation. Hep C NS4 (nonstructural protein 4) augments the proteolytic activity of Hep C NS3 through protein-protein interaction