Exploiting information inherent in binding sites of virus-specific antibodies: Design of an HCV vaccine candidate cross-reactive with multiple genotypes

Abstract

Background/Aims: The role of antibody in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear although many reports attest to its role in viral clearance. Here we describe epitopes that are recognized by antibody present in the serum of infected patients and show that such epitopes can induce neutralizing antibodies. Methods: Human serum containing hyperimmune anti-HCV IgG was used to extract epitopes from a library of synthetic peptides that encompassed the sequences of the E1 and E2 proteins of HCV genotype la H77. Peptides that were bound by IgG were identified by mass spectrometry. Assembly of these epitopes with a helper T cell determinant was then carried out in order to construct candida..