Multiple determinants influence complex formation of the hepatitis C virus NS3 protease domain with its NS4A cofactor peptide

A study on the genetic mechanisms of the hepatitis C virus investigated the interaction of the NS3 protease domain of the virus with its NS4A co-factor peptide to identify factors that influence the binding reaction. It will be shown that complex affinities may differ by nearly three orders of magnitude depending on the physico-chemical conditions under which they are determined. Evidence is also presented for complex stabilization by substrate peptides to the active site of the enzyme.