CHIKV E2
Description
Product Specs
Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquito species also transmit other diseases like dengue and Zika. The virus responsible for chikungunya can infect various animals, including monkeys, birds, cattle, and rodents, serving as potential reservoirs. Following an incubation period of 2-4 days after mosquito bite, infected individuals typically experience a sudden onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain. This fever usually subsides within 2-7 days, but the joint pain, a hallmark of chikungunya, can persist for weeks, months, or even years in some cases. While generally self-limiting, chikungunya has a mortality rate of slightly less than 1 in 1,000. Since 2004, outbreaks of chikungunya have been reported in different regions of Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) possesses a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome, approximately 11,800 nucleotides in length. This genome contains two open reading frames (ORFs) that encode viral proteins essential for its replication and propagation. The viral RNA is enclosed within a protective nucleocapsid, which is further enveloped by a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell. Embedded within this lipid envelope are viral proteins, including approximately 80 glycoprotein spikes that protrude from the surface. These spikes play a crucial role in the virus's ability to attach to and infect host cells.
The structural proteins of CHIKV, responsible for forming the virus particle, are translated from a subgenomic mRNA. These proteins include the capsid (C), envelope proteins E1, E2, and E3, and a small transmembrane protein called 6K. Initially, these five structural proteins are synthesized as a single polyprotein, which is subsequently cleaved into individual proteins. The capsid protein encapsulates the viral RNA genome, while the envelope proteins E3, E2, and E1 form a hetero-trimeric complex that assembles into the viral spikes. These spikes are essential for the virus's interaction with host cells, mediating receptor recognition, entry into the cell through a process called pH-dependent endocytosis, and the release of new virus particles from infected cells (budding).
This solution is sterilized using filtration and contains phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) along with 25mM potassium carbonate (K2CO3).
This product is suitable for use in rapid diagnostic tests and immunoassays designed to detect the presence of Chikungunya virus.
Product Science Overview
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes high fever, rash, and recurrent arthritis in humans. It has efficiently adapted to Aedes albopictus, which also inhabits temperate regions, including Europe and the United States of America . The virus has caused significant outbreaks in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean and Latin America . Despite its impact, there is currently no treatment or licensed vaccine for CHIKV .
The E2 protein is a key glycoprotein of the Chikungunya virus, playing a crucial role in the virus’s ability to attach and enter host cells . The extracellular part of the E2 gene is subdivided into three domains: A, B, and C . These domains facilitate cell binding, with domains A and B binding to all cells tested, independently of their permissiveness to CHIKV infection . Domain C, however, does not bind to cells .
The process of cloning and expressing the E2 recombinant protein involves several steps. Researchers have successfully cloned the E2 gene from the African strain of CHIKV into an expression vector . This vector, pET28b, adds a His tag at the N terminus of the E2 protein . The E2 protein is then expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) strain and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography . The purified protein is characterized by SDS-PAGE and western blotting using an anti-His monoclonal antibody .
The recombinant E2 protein has shown promise in various applications. It has been used to detect both IgG and IgM antibodies from the plasma of Chikungunya patients, without showing non-specific reactivity to normal (healthy) control plasma . This makes it a valuable tool for diagnostic assays. Additionally, the E2 protein contains suitable antigens for use in diagnostic serologic tests and could potentially be used as a vaccine candidate against CHIKV infection .
