Hepatitis C virus codon optimized non-structural NS3/4A fusion gene
Aspects of the present invention relate to the discovery of a novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolate. Embodiments include HCV peptides, nucleic acids encoding said HCV peptides, antibodies directed to said peptides, compositions containing said nucleic acids and peptides, as well as methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions including, but not limited to, diagnostics and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.
1. An isolated polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
2. The isolated polypeptide of claim 1 , wherein said polpeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 2.
3. An immunogenic composition comprising the isolated polypeptide of claim 1 .
4. The immunogenic composition of claim 3 , wherein said polpeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 2.
5. A method of using the isolated polypeptide of claim 1 to generate an immune response in a subject comprising:
providing the isolated polypeptide of claim 1 ; and
introducing said polypeptide into a subject under conditions that generate an immune response in said subject.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said polpeptide consists of SEQ ID NO: 2.
7. The method of claim 5 , further comprising measuring an immune response to said isolated polypeptide.
8. The method of claim 5 , further comprising measuring an inhibition of hepatitis C virus.