2. Introduction:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped,
positive-strand RNA virus classified in the
Hepacivirus genus within the Flaviviridae
family.
The Flaviviridae are a family of positive, single-
stranded, enveloped RNA viruses. They are
found in arthropods, (primarily ticks and
mosquitoes), and can occasionally infect
humans.
The Flaviviridae family includes yellow fever
virus, West Nile virus, and dengue virus.
3. HCV - Structure
small, enveloped,positive single-strandedRNA virus
50-60nm with linear,single- strandedRNA genome, enclosed
carrying glyproteinspike
Envelop-Theenvelopeproteins playa role in host receptor binding,
endosome-lipidmembrane fusion, and assembly
Lipid-Thecholesterolcontent of the HCV particle is higher when
compared with host cell membranes give composition to resembles
human very-low-densitylipoprotein(VLDL)
Capsid-The HCV capsid, also knownas the HCV core, is the protein
shell thatencapsulates and protects the HCV RNA.
Nucleocaspid-TheHCV nucleocapsid consists of the HCV capsid plus
the HCV RNA
HCVRNAgenome-approximately9,600 nucleotide bases in length
LipoviralParticle-Theformation of the lipoviralparticle facilitates
HCV entryinto hepatocytesand it protects HCV from antibody
neutralization.
4. HCV RNA Genome
HCV RNA (genome) consists of a single-
stranded, positive-sense RNA approximately
9,600 nucleotide bases in length.
The HCV genome contains a single, long, open
reading frame (3,006-3037 codons) flanked by 5'
and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs)
HCV RNA genome is used both for translation
and transcription
The 5' region, which is upstream from the open
reading frame, is approximately 340 nucleotides
long
IRES is a highly structured regulatory element
which is essential in the translation of the open
reading frame. The 3' region is approximately 225
nucleotides long
The 3'X region serves as a key factor in switching
between translation and RNA transcription of the
HCV RNA.
