Hepatitis C virus core antigen (null)

The Hepatitis C virus core antigen forms the inner capsid of the virus, binding the viral RNA genome, and is essential for virus particle assembly and infectivity[1]. In the body, it serves as a key diagnostic marker for active HCV infection and is a major target of the host immune response. Other viral antigens, particularly the envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, play critical roles in viral entry into hepatocytes and are the primary targets for broadly neutralizing antibodies, making them important for both vaccine development and immune-based therapies[3]. Drugs targeting HCV nonstructural proteins—not structural antigens—are the mainstay of antiviral therapy; however, quantification and detection of the core antigen are widely used in clinical diagnostics[1][3].

Other names

HCV core proteinHCVcAgHCV core antigenHepatitis C virus antigen (generic; not recommended)HCV antigen

For direct-acting antivirals: Inhibition of viral RNA replication (NS5A, NS5B inhibitors); Inhibition of polyprotein cleavage (NS3/4A protease inhibitors). For vaccines/passive immunity: Induction of neutralizing antibodies (E1/E2 antigens are main targets for bNAbs).