A Human Cell Line Which Constitutively Expresses The Nonstructural (NS) Proteins Of Hepatitis C Virus
Description of Invention:
Currently there are no good animal models or tissue culture systems which can be used in assaying compounds directed against HCV. A cell line has been developed which may represent a valuable tool in the identification of potential therapeutic agents against hepatitis C. This permanent human cell line contains an expression vector which directs cells to synthesize 5 nonstructural (NS) hepatitis C proteins: NS3, NS4a, NS4b, NS5a and NS5b. Two of these proteins provide enzymatic activities crucial to virus replication (NS3: protease, helicase; NS5b, RNA polymerase). The cell line will permit the evaluation of antivirals directed against these enzymes.
Inventors:
Glenn Sherman and Stephen Feinstone (FDA)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-012-1998/0 -- Research Material
For Additional Information Please Contact: Kevin Chang Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: 301/435-5018
Email: changke@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301/402-0220
