US Patent 7968697 Hepatitis C virus non-structural NS3/4A fusion gene

The creation of mutant hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A genes encoding proteins with altered protease activity is disclosed. Embodiments include these NS3/4A genes, HCV peptides encoded by these nucleic acids, nucleic acids encoding these HCV peptides, antibodies directed to these peptides, compositions containing these nucleic acids and peptides, as well as methods of making and using these compositions including, but not limited to, diagnostics and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.