Vidal-Alcántara, Erick JoanHernández Antón, SoniaRueda, PalomaYélamos, María BelénGómez, JuliánResino, SalvadorFresco-Taboada, AlbaMartinez, Isidoro2025-03-122025-03-122024-08-04Vidal-Alcántara EJ, Antón SH, Rueda P, Yélamos MB, Gómez J, Resino S, Fresco-Taboada A, Martínez I. Development of a Lateral Flow Assay for the Detection of the Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Aug 4;17(8):1022.https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12105/26430Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a global health challenge, with millions of people affected annually. Current diagnostic methods, reliant on antibody screening and viral RNA detection, are complex, costly, and often inaccessible, particularly in resource-limited settings. Aim: Development of a lateral flow immunochromatography-based assay for detecting the highly conserved hepatitis C core antigen (HCVcAg). Methods: The assay relies on the interaction of four highly specific and cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies with recombinant HCVcAg from five different genotypes in a double antibody sandwich format. Latex and colloidal gold were evaluated as detector nanoparticles. Results: Extensive evaluation of 32 antibody combinations led to identifying the most sensitive antibody pairs. The chosen assay, named LN17, demonstrated a target sensitivity of 10 ng/strip, with potential clinical implications for detecting HCV. Furthermore, the study examined matrix effects in serum samples, providing valuable insights for future clinical application. Conclusions: The developed assay holds promise as a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly tool to enhance accessibility to hepatitis C screening, especially in high-risk populations and resource-limited environments.engVoRhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Core antigenHepatitis CMonoclonal antibodyRapid diagnostic testAttribution 4.0 International39204127178102210.3390/ph170810221424-8247Pharmaceuticalsopen access