[Synthesis and antigenic activity of peptides from the C-terminal part of the NS4-protein of the hepatitis A virus].

A set of four peptides from the HCV NS4-protein C-terminal region (aa 1921-1940) were obtained by solid-phase synthesis using activated esters and symmetrical anhydrides of Boc-amino acids. Peptide 1921-1940 has demonstrated a positive reaction in ELISA with individual anti-HCV-positive sera from patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C (80% and 56%, respectively). We analysed the antigenic properties of the peptide 1921-1940 and its fragments and suggested at least two antibody recognizing sites to be contained in this region.