European Hepatitis C virus database (euHCVdb)

European Hepatitis C virus database (euHCVdb) provides a curated collection of computer-annotated hepatitis C virus (HCV) sequences and three-dimensional protein models based on reference genomes to support analysis of HCV genetic diversity, structural variability, and functional studies.

Key Features:

• Computer-annotated sequences: Contains HCV sequences annotated computationally with features mapped to reference genomes.
• Genome mapping: Provides precise genome mapping of sequences to define genomic organization and variation across strains.
• Nomenclature and subtyping: Applies recommended nomenclature standards and supplies subtype assignments for consistent sequence classification.
• Three-dimensional molecular models: Supplies 3D molecular models of HCV proteins to support structural analyses.
• Genetic diversity coverage: Represents HCV genetic diversity including major genotypes, subtypes, and quasispecies within hosts.

Scientific Applications:

• Molecular virology: Enables comparative analyses of HCV sequence and protein variation to study viral biology and function.
• Pathogenesis studies: Supports investigation of protein function and variation relevant to HCV pathogenic mechanisms.
• Drug design: Provides structural models and annotated protein sequences to inform small-molecule and inhibitor design efforts.
• Vaccine development: Supplies sequence diversity and protein structural information relevant to antigen selection and immunogen design.
• Epidemiology and transmission analysis: Facilitates subtype-based studies of HCV epidemiology and transmission patterns.

Methodology:

Computer annotation of HCV sequences based on reference genomes and generation of three-dimensional molecular models of HCV proteins.