Truncated JFH1 E2 Protein: Is it Reliable to be Used in Diagnostic ELISA Test and as a Protein-Based Vaccine Candidate?

BACKGROUND: HCV E2 glycoprotein is one of the most attractive proteins for designing an effective vaccine. Deletion of hydrophobic carboxyl-terminal region of this protein is necessary for its secretion, especially when it is expressed in E-coli. In this study we expressed this protein in truncated form and evaluated its application in developing an ELISA test and induction of humoral response in immunized mice.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was expression of HCV truncated E2 protein from JFH1 strain in E-coli BL21(DE3) and evaluation of its antigenicity.

METHODS: Truncated E2 region from HCV genotype 2a (JFH1) was amplified by PCR and cloned into a pET28a (+) vector and was used to transform the E-coli DH5α strain. The recombinant E2 protein was evaluated both in an ELISA test and induction of humoral immunity in mice.

RESULTS: Truncated E2 protein was expressed in BL21(DE3). Its specific antibody was detected in serum samples from HCV infected patients. Also, it could elicit a significant humoral immunity in mice.

CONCLUSION: Truncated form of E2 protein which has been expressed in E-coli could be used as an effective antigen both in diagnostic tests such as ELISA and also, as a protein-based vaccine candidate.