ABSTRACT
Objective: to evaluate the variations in HCV glycoprotein E1 gene and to map epitopes in the variable E 1 regions informing the development of an effective vaccine against HCV
Methods: to isolate the E1 gene, RNA extraction was done by using the kit method and then it was converted to the cDNA. Confirmation of HCV presence in the collected samples was done through highly conserved core primers. This was then followed by PCR amplification for E1 gene. The sequenced E 1 genes were translated in silica into protein sequences
Results: a these proteins sequences were then analyzed for the presence of B-cell and T-cell epitopes; two B-cell epitopes [CSLYPGHLSGHRMAWD, TASIRSHVDLLVGMT] and one T-cell epitope [QAFTFRPRR] were found useful. These could be helpful in the formation of a proper vaccine against HCV
Conclusion: we found 2 B-cell epitopes and 1 T-cell epitope conserved in 3a genotype that may help in vaccine development