[Expression of hepatitis C virus genome].
Complementary DNAs from HCV genome were expressed and analyzed. C8-2 protein, a part of NS5, and core protein were synthesized in E. coli. Core protein (JCC) was appeared to be very useful for diagnostic probe of HCV infection. Predicted envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2/NS1) produced in infected insect cells were glycosylated and secreted into the culture media when the signal sequence of rabies virus G protein was introduced. An ELISA was developed using each purified recombinant protein. Anti-E1 antibody was detected in 20% of patients with non-A, non-B chronic liver diseases, whereas anti-E2/NS1 antibody was detected in more than 88%. These results indicate that the immune responses against these glycoproteins are different.