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  • Title: Characterization of a linear epitope in the nonstructural region 4 of hepatitis C virus with reactivity to seroconversion antibodies.
    Author: Wienhues U, Ihlenfeldt HG, Seidel C, Schmitt U, Kraas W, Jung G.
    Journal: Virology; 1998 Jun 05; 245(2):281-8. PubMed ID: 9636367.
    Abstract:
    Mapping and possible diagnostic meaning of a highly conserved, linear NS4 epitope (NS4/3), located outside the C100-3 antigen within the carboxyl terminal proportion of the NS4 region, with major immunoreactivity with specimens of patients with HCV infection from various geographic origins is described. Transient, acute-phase IgM anti-HCV NS4/3 was detected coincidentally or earlier than active IgG anti-HCV NS4/3 response with four well-characterized seroconversion panels. GenBank alignment studies identified patch homologies between the NS4/3 sequence and a number of non-HCV proteins, which may explain part of the cross-reactivity of the NS4/3 epitope. Some of the "false positive reactivities" of the NS4/3 epitope with asymptomatic blood donors, not being confirmed with FDA-approved anti-HCV assays without the NS4/3 epitope, may be explained by recognition of very early seroconversion antibodies.
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