Fig. 7

Long-term stability and persistent expression of HCV proteins by the established HCV4a-HEK293T cells. To evaluate the capability of stable cells for consistently expressing HCV genes over an extended period and generations, HCV proteins expression was assessed using the immunofluorescence staining of the Core protein. HCV4a-HEK293T cells were cultured and serially passaged in complete DMEM medium. At 3, 6, and 9 months, the expression of the Core protein was examined using HCV core antigen mouse monoclonal antibodies (C7-50) and goat anti-mouse secondary antibodies conjugated with Alexa Fluor-555. Nuclei were counterstained with the Hoechst 33342 dye. The results demonstrated that the cultured stable cells consistently expressed the HCV Core protein throughout the examined period, indicating the stability and persistence of protein production in the developed stable cells. This sustained expression is attributed to the integration of HCV genes into the host cell genome, allowing the genes to be passed on to subsequent generations