NOVEL VIRUSES FOUND IN RATTUS NORVEGICUS AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The invention is directed to novel hepatotropic hepaciviruses isolated in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), designated NrHV-1 or RHV-rn-NY01 and NrHV-2 or RHV-rn-NY02, and isolated nucleic acids sequences and polypeptides thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies against antigens from NrHV- 1 or NrHV-2 found in Rattus norvegicus. The invention also relates to iRNAs which target nucleic acid sequences of NrHV- 1 or NrHV-2 found in Rattus norvegicus. The invention is related to methods for detecting the presence or absence of NrHV-1 or NrHV-2 found in Rattus norvegicus in an animal. The invention is also related to immunogenic compositions for inducing an immune response against NrHV-1 or NrHV-2 in an animal. The invention is also related to a cell culture system and a laboratory animal to model human hepatitis C virus (HCV).