Antibody to E1 peptide of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 inhibits virus binding and entry to HepG2 cells in vitro

Figure 2 Inhibition of HCV entry into HepG2 cells by anti E1 Ab. Sera from 6 HCV infected patients (A to F) were used for infection of HepG2 cells before (Lanes 1,3,6,7,9 and 11) and after pre-incubation with anti E1 Ab (Lanes 2,4,6,8,10 and 12). RNA was detected in HepG2 lysates by nested HCV RT-PCR and the products were resolved on 2% agarose gel as described in materials and methods. The presence of a 174 bp band indicates presence of viral RNA while absence of the band indicates successful blocking of viral entry into cells. Lane M shows φx Hae III digest as a molecular weight marker, lane 13 shows RT-PCR of the PBS used for the last wash step of the cells.