Processing pathways of the hepatitis C virus proteins

摘要: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major etiological agent of posttransfusion and community-acquired non-A, non-B hepatitis. It an enveloped virus, grouped as a separate genus in Flaviviridae family. The plus-stranded RNA genome encodes polyprotein about 3000 amino acids with structural proteins core, El E2 residing terminal quarter nonstructural NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A NS5B remainder. Maturation mediated by host cell signalases located lumen endoplasmic reticulum cleaving behind stretches hydrophobic acids. At least two virally encoded proteinases are responsible for processing NS : zinc-dependent metalloproteinase encompassing NS2 domain portion which essential cleavage at NS2/3 junction ; serine-type proteinase NS3 required all sites downstream carboxy terminus. However, although contains proteolytic activity, exception NS5A/5B only occurs presence NS4A. This 54 acid long peptide can modulate activity enzyme cis trans, probably formation stable NS3/NS4A complex. Modulation may be way to regulate expression replication HCV genome.