Abstract
The high genetic variability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main obstacle to developing a vaccine. E2 has attracted attention for vaccine development because targeting this protein could potentially overcome issues related to the genetic diversity of HCV. In this study, we analyzed HCV genes in the general population of Cambodia and investigated the E2 locus as a candidate for vaccine development. HCV sero-epidemiological surveys were conducted between the period 2010 and 2014, with an HCV RNA–positive rate of 1.3% (11/868). Follow-up blood samples were collected from four anti-HCV– and HCV RNA– positive patients (genotype 1b: 2 cases, 6e: 1 case, 6r: 1 case) after 4.12 years. Analysis of HCV full-length nucleotide sequences in paired specimens revealed that the mutation rates of HCV genotypes 1b and 6e/6r were 1.61–2.03 × 10−3 and 2.52–2.74 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year, respectively. Non-synonymous substitutions were detected in HVR1, the front layer of the CD81 binding site, and the β-sandwich, but not in the N-terminal region or adjacent to the CD81 binding site. Therefore, we conclude that the CD81 binding site is a promising locus for HCV vaccine development.
Highlights
IntroductionAn estimated 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and approximately
An estimated 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and approximately399,000 die from HCV each year [1]
We investigated the locus at E2 among the general population in Cambodia as a potential target for the development of an HCV vaccine
Summary
An estimated 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and approximately. 399,000 die from HCV each year [1]. There is a deficit of information about the prevalence and genetic mutation of HCV [2]. HCV is a small, enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus belonging to genus Hepacivirus, a member of family Flaviviridae [3]. The gene sequence of HCV is diversified by an error-prone polymerase that does not have a proofreading function during replication [4]. HCV strains are classified into seven genotypes (1–7). The distribution of HCV genotypes differs by country and region [5]. The distribution of HCV genotypes is closely related to the pathway of virus
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