Mutational Analysis of HCV Gene Encoding E1 Glycoprotein

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the variations in HCV glycoprotein E1 gene and to map epitopes in the
variable E1 regions informing the development of an effective vaccine against HCV.
Methods: To isolate the E1 gene, RNA extraction was done by using the kit method and then it
was converted to the cDNA. Confirmation of HCV presence in the collected samples was done
through highly conserved core primers. This was then followed by PCR amplificationfor E1 gene.
The sequenced E1 genes were translated in silico into proteinsequences.
Results: A These proteins sequences were then analyzed for the presence of B-cell and T-cell
epitopes; two B-cell epitopes (CSLYPGHLSGHRMAWD, TASIRSHVDLLVGAAT) and one T-cell
epitope (QAFTFRPRR) were found useful. These could be helpful in the formation of a proper
vaccine against HCV.
Conclusions: We found 2 B-cell epitopes and 1 T-cell epitope conserved in 3a genotype that may
help in vaccine development