Hepatitis C virus protein (HCV protein)

Hepatitis C virus proteins are translated from a single large polyprotein from the viral RNA genome and then processed into structural and nonstructural components. Key structural proteins include the core (nucleocapsid) protein and envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2. Nonstructural proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, NS5B) function in viral RNA replication, polyprotein processing, and assembly of new viral particles. These proteins mediate essential steps in the HCV life cycle such as cell entry, genome replication, particle assembly, and immune escape. Therapeutic agents targeting NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B proteins have revolutionized hepatitis C treatment by inhibiting viral enzyme functions or disrupting replication complexes. Detection of HCV proteins and RNA serves as biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring, and prediction of therapeutic response. HCV protein targets are associated with infection, liver disease, and potential oncogenic processes, and therapies are challenged by viral genetic variability and risk of resistance.

Other names

HCV proteinsHCV polyproteinhepatitis C viral proteinshepatitis C virus particles

Inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity (NS5B inhibitors) Inhibition of protease-mediated polyprotein processing (NS3/4A inhibitors) Disruption of replication complex (NS5A inhibitors)