NS2-specific aptamer disrupts the interaction of NS2 with NS5A protein.

(A) Protein was isolated from the HCV-infected Huh7.5 cells with aptamer or library treatment. The whole cell lysates (WCL) were used as input control. The input NS2 or NS5A protein was detected with western blot and quantified by densitometry. Results are the average of three independent experiments. (B) Effect of NS2-specific aptamers on the interaction of NS2 with NS5A protein. Protein was isolated from the HCV-infected Huh7.5 cells with aptamer or library treatment and immunoprecipitated with antibodies against NS5A or mouse IgG conjugated with agarose beads respectively. The protein binding to the beads were boiled and subjected to SDS-PAGE. The protein was transferred onto PVDF membrane and then reacted with mouse monoclonal anti-NS2 or NS5A antibody and secondary antibodies. NS2 protein was detected with western blot and quantified by densitometry in comparison with NS5A protein in the immunoprecipitates. *P<0.05, ** P<0.01 verse library-treated cells.