Washington University

Keril J Blight

Charles M Rice, Iii

Charles Moen Rice, Iii

Charles M Iii Rice

HCV variants are described. The variants include polynucleotides comprising non-naturally occurring HCV sequences and HCV variants that have a transfection efficiency and ability to survive subpassage greater than HCV that have wild-type polyprotein coding regions. Expression vectors comprising the above polynucleotides and HCV variants are also described, as are the provision of cells and host cells comprising the expression vectors. Methods for identifying a cell line that is permissive for infection with HCV are also provided, as are vaccines comprising the above polynucleotides in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Additionally, methods for inducing immunoprotection to HCV in a primate are described, as are methods for testing a compound for inhibiting HCV replication.

Cell lines permissive for HCV replication

This invention relates generally to cells and cell lines that are permissive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication, and methods and materials for making and using them. The subject cell line referred to as Huh-7.5 has the A.T.C.C. designation number PTA-8561, having been deposited on Aug. 1, 2007.

Highly permissive cell lines for hepatitis C virus RNA replication

HCV variants are described. The variants include polynucleotides comprising non-naturally occurring HCV sequences and HCV variants that have a transfection efficiency and ability to survive subpassage greater than HCV that have wild-type polyprotein coding regions. Expression vectors comprising the above polynucleotides and HCV variants are also described, as are the provision of cells and host cells comprising the expression vectors. Methods for identifying a cell line that is permissive for infection with HCV are also provided, as are methods for identifying HCV variant polynucleotides with increased transfection efficiencies. Additionally, methods for identifying one or more HCV sequence mutations that provide drug-resistant HCV variants are disclosed.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

Keril J Blight