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HCV is a small 50nm, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNAvirus in the family Flaviviridae.
HCV has a high rate of replication with approximately one trillion particles produced each day in an infected individual. Due to lack of proofreading by the HCV RNA polymerase, the HCV has an exceptionally high mutation rate, a factor that may help it elude the host's immune response. Hepatitis C virus is classified into six genotypes(1-6) with several subtypes within each genotype. The preponderance and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally. Genotype is clinically important in determining potential response to interferon-based therapy and the required duration of such therapy. Genotypes 1 and 4 are less responsive to interferon-based treatment than are the other genotypes (2, 3, 5 and 6).

Hepatitis B is one of a few known non-retroviralviruses which employ reverse transcriptionas a part of its replication process. (HIV, a completely unrelated virus, also uses reverse transcription, but it is a retrovirus.) HBV invades the cell by binding to surface receptor and become internalized. The viral core particles then migrate to the hepatocyte nucleus and the partially double-stranded, relaxed circular genomes (RC-DNA) are repaired to form a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is the template for viral genomic and sub-genomic RNAs by cellular RNA polymerase II. Of these, the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA is selectively packaged into progeny capsids and is then reverse-transcribed into new RC-DNA. The core can either bud into the endoplasmic reticulum to be enveloped or exported from the cell or recycled back into the genome for conversion to cccDNA.

DECR1 is a mitochondrial protein which exists as a homotetramer and is a member of a family of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. DECR1 acts as an auxiliary enzyme of beta-oxidation andt partakes in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty enoyl-CoA esters. in particular, DECR1 uses NADP+ to catalyze the reduction of 2,4-dienoyl-CoA to yield trans-3-enoyl-CoA that can subsequently be used as an intermediate in the Krebs cycle. Furthermore, DECR1 is believed to work as a tumor suppressor, possibly downregulating the expression of Neu and slowing the rate of tumorigenesis.

SSU72 is an extremely conserved homologue of yeast Ssu72, a CTD phosphatase and a component of the polyadenylation/termination machinery. SSU72 interacts with TFIIB, Rb and DNAM-1 and operates to catalyze the dephosphorylation of target proteins, and taking part in RNA processing and termination via dephosphorylation of Pol II. SSU72 is found in multiple alternatively spliced isoforms.

PDIA3 is an enzyme that belongs to the endoplasmic reticulum and interacts with lectin chaperones calreticulin and calnexin to modulate folding of newly synthesized glycoproteins. PDIA3 has protein disulfide isomerase activity. Complexes of lectins and PDIA3 mediate protein folding by promoting formation of disulfide bonds in their glycoprotein substrates. PDIA3 is expressed in the lumbar spinal cord from rats submitted to peripheral lesion during neonatal period. PDIA3 interacts with thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter in the kidney and is induced by glucose deprivation. PDIA3 is part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I peptide-loading complex (TAP1), which is important for formation of the final antigen conformation and export from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface.

The 14-3-3 family of proteins plays a key regulatory role in signal transduction, checkpoint control, apoptotic and nutrient-sensing pathways. 14-3-3 proteins are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed. There are at least seven isoforms, β, γ, ε, σ, ζ, τ and η that have been identified in mammals. The 14-3-3 epsilon, a subtype of the 14-3-3 family of proteins, was thought to be brain and neuron-specific. It has been shown to interact with CDC25 phosphatases, RAF1 and IRS1 proteins, suggesting its role in diverse biochemical activities related to signal transduction, such as cell division and regulation of insulin sensitivity. It has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer.

Aldolase A (ALDOA) is a glycolytic enzyme, which catalyzes the reversible conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. ALDOA is found in the developing embryo and is produced in even greater amounts in adult muscle. ALDOA expression is repressed in the adult liver, kidney and intestine and similar to ALDOC levels in the brain and other nervous tissue. ALDOA deficiency has been linked with myopathy and hemolytic anemia.

Forty-two antigenic domains were identified across the hepatitis A virus (HAV) polyprotein by using a set of 237 overlapping 20-mer synthetic peptides spanning the entire HAV polyprotein. Nineteen antigenic domains were found within the structural proteins, and 22 were found within the nonstructural proteins, with 1 domain spanning the junction of VP1 and P2A proteins. Five of these domains were considered immunodominant, as judged by both the breadth and the strength of their immunoreactivity. One domain is located within the VP2 protein at position 57-90 aa. A second domain, located at position 767-842 aa, contains the C-terminal part of the VP1 protein and the entire P2A protein. A third domain, located at position 1403-1456 aa, comprises the C-terminal part of the P2C protein and the N-terminal half of the P3A protein. The fourth domain, located at position 1500-1519 aa, includes almost the entire P3B, and the last domain, located at position 1719-1764 aa, contains the C-terminal region of the P3C protein and the N-terminal region of the P3D protein. Four of the five most immunoreactive domains are derived from small HAV proteins and/or encompass protein cleavage sites separating different HAV proteins.

RASSF1A is a protein similar to the RAS effector proteins. Loss or altered expression of the RASSF1A gene has been linked to the pathogenesis of a variety of cancers, which suggests the tumor suppressor function of the RASSF1A gene. The inactivation of the RASSF1A gene was found to be interconnected with the hypermethylation of its CpG-island promoter region. The RASSF1A protein was found to interact with DNA repair protein XPA. RASSF1A was also shown to inhibit the accumulation of cyclin D1, and thus induce cell cycle arrest.

HCV is a small 50nm, enveloped, single-stranded, positive sense RNAvirus in the family Flaviviridae.
HCV has a high rate of replication with approximately one trillion particles produced each day in an infected individual. Due to lack of proofreading by the HCV RNA polymerase, the HCV has an exceptionally high mutation rate, a factor that may help it elude the host's immune response. Hepatitis C virus is classified into six genotypes(1-6) with several subtypes within each genotype. The preponderance and distribution of HCV genotypes varies globally. Genotype is clinically important in determining potential response to interferon-based therapy and the required duration of such therapy. Genotypes 1 and 4 are less responsive to interferon-based treatment than are the other genotypes (2, 3, 5 and 6).

Caseine Kinase 1 alpha belongs is a member of the protein kinase superfamily, CK1 Ser/Thr protein kinase family, Casein kinase I subfamily. The CK1 isoforms - alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon and their splice variants are involved in diverse cellular processes including membrane trafficking, circadian rhythm, cell cycle progression, chromosome segregation, apoptosis and cellular differentiation. Possibly CSNK1A1 can phosphorylate a large number of proteins and is involved in Wnt signaling where it phosphorylates CTNNB1 on Ser45. CSNK1A1 also interacts with the Axin complex.

SNTA1 is a member of the syntrophin gene family. SNTA1 is a peripheral membrane protein found linked with dystrophin and dystrophin-related proteins. Dystrophin is a large, rod-like cytoskeletal protein located at the inner surface of muscle fibers. Dystrophin is absent in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients, however it is present in reduced amounts in Becker Muscular Dystrophy patients. Syntrophins are cytoplasmic peripheral membrane scaffold proteins and components of the dystrophin-associated protein complex. The N-terminal PDZ domain of SNTA1 interacts with the C-terminus of the pore-forming alpha subunit (SCN5A) of the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5. In addition, SNTA1 associates cardiac sodium channels with the nitric oxide synthase-PMCA4b (plasma membrane Ca-ATPase subtype 4b) complex in cardiomyocytes. The SNTA1 gene is a predisposition locus for Long-QT syndrome (LQT) - an inherited disorder associated with sudden cardiac death from arrhythmia - and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SNTA1 also associates with dystrophin and dystrophin-related proteins at the neuromuscular junction and modifies intracellular calcium ion levels in muscle tissue.

CEBPB is an intronless gene and its protein is a bZIP transcription factor which can bind as a homodimer to certain DNA regulatory regions. CEBPB can also form heterodimers with the related proteins CEBP-alpha, CEBP-delta, and CEBP-gamma. CEBPB is important in the regulation of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses and has been shown to bind to the IL-1 response element in the IL-6 gene, as well as to regulatory regions of several acute-phase and cytokine genes. In addition, CEBPB can bind the promoter and upstream element and stimulate the expression of the collagen type I gene.

MHC Class II is consists of 2 membrane spanning proteins. Each of these proteins is roughly 30 kDa, and has of two Globular domains, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1 and Beta-2. The two regions farthest away from the membrane are alpha-1 and beta-1. The two proteins link without Covalent Bonds. The MHC Class II protein mainly presents peptides, which have been digested from external sources. MHC Class II is normally only expressed by Antigen Presenting Cells (APC) which digest foreign protein. Within the RER the alpha and beta proteins of the molecule, associate with each other, while a third protein called the "invariant chain," is necessary for stabilizing the complex, without it, they will not associate. The MHC-invariant complex is then passed from the RER, into and out of, the Golgi body. It fuses with an Endocytic compartment, where an external protein has been sampled and degraded.

Caused by one of four closely related virus serotypes of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae, each serotype is sufficiently different that there is no cross-protection and epidemics caused by multiple serotypes (hyperendemicity) can occur. In cell culture experiments and mice Morpholino antisense oligos have shown specific activity against Dengue virus.

PRDX1 is part of the peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant enzymes, which reduce hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides. PRDX1 is an important protector of red blood cells against reactive oxygen species and in tumor prevention. PRDX1 is antioxidant protective in cells, and contributes to the antiviral activity of CD8(+) T-cells. PRDX1 has a proliferative effect and is involved in cancer development or progression. Peroxiredoxin-1 is plays a role in redox regulation of the cell. Peroxiredoxin decreases peroxides with reducing equivalents provided through the thioredoxin system but not from glutaredoxin. Peroxiredoxin is involved in eliminating peroxides generated during metabolism. Peroxiredoxin participates in the signaling cascades of growth factors and TNF-alpha by regulating the intracellular concentrations of h(2)o(2).

The PARK7 is a ubiquitously expressed protein involved in various cellular processes including spermatogenesis and fertilization, cancer, RNA-binding, androgen-receptor signaling and oxidative stress. Mutations in the PARK7 are the cause of autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson’s disease 7 (Park7).

CTLA-4 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and encodes a protein which transmits an inhibitory signal to T cells. The protein contains a V domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. Alternate transcriptional splice variants, encoding different isoforms, have been characterized. The membrane-bound isoform functions as a homodimer interconnected by a disulfide bond, while the soluble isoform functions as a monomer. Mutations in this gene have been associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Graves disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, celiac disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid-associated orbitopathy, and other autoimmune diseases.

Coactosin-like protein (COTL1) is one of the numerous actin-binding proteins which regulate the actin cytoskeleton. COTL1 binds F-actin, it also interacts with 5-lipoxygenase, which is the first committed enzyme in leukotriene biosynthesis. COTL1 binds to F-actin in a calcium-independent way and has no direct effect on actin depolymerization.

Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) belongs to the DKK protein family including Dkk-1, 2, 3 and -4. DKK3 is a 350 amino acid secreted glycoprotein which is comprised of an N-terminal signal peptide and 2 conserved cysteine-rich domains that are separated by a 12 amino acid linker region. DKK3 is involved in embryonic development through its inhibition of the WNT signaling pathway. DKK3 gene expression is decreased in a variety of cancer cell lines and it may act as a tumor suppressor gene.

HBsAg is the surface antigen of the Hepatitis-B-Virus (HBV). The capsid of a virus has different surface proteins from the rest of the virus. The antigen is a protein that binds specifically on one of these surface proteins and is commonly referred to as the Australian Antigen. HBsAg is an essential parameter to diagnose hepatitis B disease in the clinic and to monitor antiviral treatment.

Since April 2012, cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been identified in various countries. Coronaviruses are the cause of the common cold, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and other severe illnesses with high mortality rates, all are classified into coronavirus family. MERS-CoV is a new type of SARS found in the coronavirus family causing severe pneumonia with sudden and serious respiratory illness with high mortality rates as well. Since January 27th 2015, the WHO has reported 956 human cases, including 351 deaths. More cases of the new coronavirus strain are expected. Like in other coronaviruses, large surface spike glycoprotein is a central structural protein of this virus; it is located above the virion surface to bind and enter into the target cell. Spike protein has 2 domains- S1 and S2. The S1 domain is responsible for cellular tropism and interaction with target cell, while the S2 domain is responsible for membrane fusion. The C-terminal of S1 domain contains a receptor binding domain, and is also a potential target for vaccine development and an antigen for diagnosis.

MAT2A is an important enzyme in cellular metabolism and catalyzes the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) from L-methionine and ATP. MAT2A is expressed in extrahepatic tissues. In liver, MAT2A expression associates with growth, dedifferentiation, and cancer. NF-kappa B and AP-1 are necessary for basal MAT2A expression in HepG2 cells and mediate the increase in MAT2A expression in response to TNF-alpha. Up-regulation of MAT2A provides growth improvement and s-adenosylmethionine and methylthioadenosine thus can block mitogenic signaling in colon cancer cells. Lower expression of both MAT2A and MAT2beta and interfere with leptin signaling in liver cancer cells.

The 14-3-3 family of proteins plays a key regulatory role in signal transduction, checkpoint control, apoptotic and nutrient-sensing pathways. 14-3-3 proteins are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed. There are at least seven isoforms, β, γ, ε, σ, ζ, τ and η that have been identified in mammals. The 14-3-3 tau, a subtype of the 14-3-3 family of proteins, was found in T Cells, brain and testes. This 14-3-3 tau is upregulated in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.