HCV E2 Protein Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products
Product listThe HCV E2 protein, referred to as the second envelope protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), is a key component of HCV. As the most variable antigen in HCV, E2 serves as the primary target for neutralizing antibody responses. Located on the viral envelope, it functions as a host receptor binding protein. By forming a heterodimer with another HCV envelope glycoprotein, E1, it mediates cell entry and fusion, facilitating the virus's entry into host cells. Overall, due to its crucial role in viral invasion, E2 is a key target for therapeutic antibodies and vaccine immunogens.
Fig.1 The two crystallography-based structures of the core domain of E2.1
HCV E2 and Immunoreactivity
The HCV E2 plays a pivotal role in viral invasion and is a primary target of the host immune response. HCV employs E2, which forms a heterodimer with E1, to block the activation of human EIF2AK2/PKR, preventing the onset of an antiviral state. E2 acts as a viral ligand for CD209/DC-SIGN on dendritic cells (DCs) and CLEC4M/DC-SIGNR on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and macrophage-like cells in lymph node sinuses. These interactions facilitate the capture of circulating HCV particles by these cells and their subsequent transmission to susceptible cells. DCs, serving as professional antigen-presenting cells, play a critical role in host immunity by coordinating specific immune responses against various pathogens. They act as sentinels in different tissues, trapping pathogens and transporting them to local lymphoid tissue or lymph nodes to establish immunity. The uptake of circulating HCV particles by these SIGN-positive cells may enhance virus infection of nearby hepatocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations, potentially aiding the establishment of persistent infection.
Application of Anti-HCV E2 Protein Antibodies
Antibodies targeting the HCV E2 protein hold significant promise for both therapeutic applications and vaccine development. By neutralizing E2, these antibodies can effectively inhibit viral entry into host cells, thereby preventing infection and its associated complications. This makes them a valuable tool in the design of antiviral therapies and vaccines aimed at eliciting a strong and specific immune response against HCV.
- Therapeutic Potential Passive Immunization
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the HCV E2 protein and capable of recognizing structurally and functionally conserved regions present a promising new therapeutic approach. They are engineered to target specific epitopes on the HCV E2 protein, holding promise for passive immunization. By directly neutralizing circulating virus particles, they have the potential to decrease viral load and mitigate viral spread. This strategy exhibits significant potential in advancing the development of effective treatments for HCV infection.
- Vaccine Development
HCV poses a significant threat as a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver cirrhosis, emphasizing the urgent need for an effective vaccine. Such a vaccine should ideally induce immune responses capable of protecting against HCV infection. Antibodies targeting the HCV E2 protein play a vital role in assessing the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates in both preclinical and clinical studies. By evaluating the capacity of vaccines to stimulate protective immune responses, these antibodies serve as essential tools in the development of effective HCV vaccines.
Creative Biolabs has full experience in antibody production. We provide several different anti-HCV E2 antibody products for ELISA and western blot analysis. For more information, please contact us.
REFERENCE
- Yost, Samantha A., Yuanyuan Wang, and Joseph Marcotrigiano. "Hepatitis C virus envelope glycoproteins: a balancing act of order and disorder."Frontiers in immunology 9 (2018): 398876. Under open access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
