Hepatitis C virus, NS3, Recombinant

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the major etiologic agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis. The pathological changes in hepatitis C are characterized by the histologic triad of lymphoid aggregates in portal tracts, epithelial damage of small bile ducts, and micro-and macro-vesicular steatosis. HCV antigens are visible in the cytoplasm of infected hepatocytes by immunohistochemical staining with mono-or polyclonal antibodies. These studies are important to determine the viral load and expression pattern of HCV in the infected liver. The mechanism of hepatocyte and bile duct injury in HCV infection appears to be related to the host immune response to the virus. Direct viral cytopathogenicity may also play a role. Source: Recombinant corresponding to 272aa from NS3 of HCV, expressed in E.coli. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.