Overlapping peptides of HCV NS3 helicase (aa 1192–1459).

Five groups of synthetic peptides derived from NS3 (1192–1459) of HCV genotype 1b (Genebank accession number AFC36922) are listed in the Table. Group A, 29 of 16mer peptides with 7mer overlapping spanning 268 amino acids of HCV NS3 helicase between aa 1192 and 1459. Group B, 6–10mer peptides are shortened from P05 or P21. Group C, peptides with an amino acid substitution from the region corresponding to P21 are derived from other genotypes of HCV variants. Group D, peptides are derived from the region of GBV-C corresponding to P05 or P21. Group E, negative control peptide (NC) is derived from Brucella melitensis BP26 protein. Aa, amino acid position in NS3 or whole ORF protein. Letters in the bold with underline indicate the amino acid substitution aligned with P21 or P05.