Characterization of a putative fusogenic sequence in the E2 hepatitis G virus protein

With the aim of better understanding the fusion process mediated by the envelope proteins of the hepatitis G virus (HGV/GBV-C), we have investigated the interaction with model membranes of two overlapping peptides [(267–284) and (279–298)] belonging to the E2 structural protein. The peptides were compared for their ability to perturb lipid bilayers by means of different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the conformational behaviour of the peptides in different membrane environments was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The results showed that only the E2(279–298) peptide sequence was able to bind with high affinity to negatively charged membranes, to permeabilize efficiently negative lipid bilayers, to induce haemolysis, and to promote inter-vesicle fusion. This fusogenic activity could be related to the induced peptide conformation upon interaction with the target membrane.