Method for producing ectoprotein of hepatitis C virus

摘要

A method for extracellularly producing an ectoprotein of hepatitis C virus comprises the steps of cultivating a transformant which is transformed with an expression vector containing a DNA fragment coding for the ectoprotein of hepatitis C virus and recovering the ectoprotein of hepatitis C virus extracellularly produced by the transformant. The protein originated from the E1 region prepared by the method can be used as a material for preparing a vaccine for preventing HCV infection. In addition, a diagnostic agent containing the protein is useful for the detection of an HCV antibody or the confirmation of the presence thereof in sera or the like. In other words, the protein of the present invention permits the diagnosis of C type hepatitis in high specificity and sensitivity.