E2 and NS5: new antigens for detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies.
The value of two new hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens for detection of HCV antibodies was studied. These two recombinant antigens were derived from the nonstructural-5 (NS5) and envelope-2 (E2) region of the HCV genome. In a panel of 33 HCV-RNA positive samples with indeterminate Riba-2 confirmatory test results, 29 samples (88%) showed additional antibody reactivity against E2 and 12 samples (36%) showed additional reactivity against NS5. Among 39 HCV-RNA negative, Riba-2 indeterminate donor samples, no additional E2 or NS5 reactivity was found in 34 samples (87%); while 5 samples (13%) showed additional reactivity against NS5 and/or E2. E2 reactivity thus resolved the majority of hitherto indeterminate samples. In serial samples from nine posttransfusion hepatitis C patients, NS5 and E2 antibodies did not appear earlier than classical HCV antibodies. However, E2 antibodies eventually appeared in all nine patients. The recombinant E2 might be a candidate antigen for future HCV antibody assays.
Zaaijer
H L
HL
Central Laboratory of the Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Amsterdam.
Vallari
D S
DS
Cunningham
M
M
Lesniewski
R
R
Reesink
H W
HW
van der Poel
C L
CL
Lelie
P N
PN
D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins; C091015:glycoprotein E2, Hepatitis C virus