Hepatitis C virus core protein (HCV core protein)

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is a highly conserved structural protein that forms the viral nucleocapsid and is essential for viral particle assembly. It is the first protein translated from the HCV polyprotein and possesses RNA-binding properties that facilitate the packaging of the viral genome. In addition to its structural roles, the core protein modulates various host cell processes, including lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and cell signaling, which are linked to the development of steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. From an immunological perspective, the core protein is a major target for the host's cellular immune response, containing multiple epitopes recognized by CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells when presented via MHC Class I and II molecules. Therapeutic strategies often utilize the core protein as an antigen in vaccines to stimulate robust T-cell activation, aiming to achieve viral clearance in chronic infections where natural immunity has failed.

Other names

HCVp21Nucleocapsid proteinHCVcAgCore antigenp21

Stimulation of the adaptive immune system through the presentation of core protein-derived peptides on MHC molecules, leading to the activation and proliferation of antigen-specific T-cells that target and eliminate HCV-infected hepatocytes.