Duplication of the V3 domain in hepatitis C virus (1b) NS5A protein: Clonal analysis and physicochemical properties related to hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence

Taken together, our results suggest that V3 DII evolution may differ in strains associated with HCC occurrence. The presence of an intrinsically “disordered” V3 duplicate may alter the NS5A protein network. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the potential impact of V3 duplication in the context of carcinogenesis.