CoV-2 Spike (1000-1200)
CoV 2019 Spike Protein is >90% pure as determined SDS-PAGE.
Description
The E.Coli derived recombinant protein contains the Coronavirus 2019 Spike (1000-1200 a.a.) immunodominant regions, fused to 6xHis tag at C-terminal.
Product Specs
In December 2019, a new coronavirus, known as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), emerged in Wuhan, China. This virus, responsible for causing viral pneumonia in humans, was first identified in a seafood market.
Genetic analysis revealed that 2019-nCoV shares a significant similarity (87% identity) with the bat-derived SARS-CoV-2, discovered in Zhoushan, eastern China, in 2018. Despite some differences, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) structure of 2019-nCoV closely resembles that of 2018 SARS-CoV, suggesting its potential to bind to the human ACE2 receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2).
While bats are considered the likely natural reservoir of 2019-nCoV, it is suspected that an intermediary animal host, possibly one traded at the Wuhan market, played a role in its transmission to humans. Research indicates that 2019-nCoV might have arisen from a recombination event involving the spike glycoprotein of a bat coronavirus and another, yet unidentified, coronavirus.
This recombinant protein, produced in E. coli, encompasses the immunodominant regions of the Coronavirus 2019 Spike protein (amino acids 1000-1200). It is equipped with a C-terminal 6xHis tag for purification and detection purposes.
The CoV 2019 Spike Protein is provided as a 1 mg/ml solution in 1x PBS (phosphate-buffered saline).
To maintain product integrity, CoV 2019 Spike Protein is shipped using ice packs. Upon receipt, it should be stored at -20°C.
The purity of the CoV 2019 Spike Protein exceeds 90%, as assessed by SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis).
Product Science Overview
The spike protein is a large glycoprotein that protrudes from the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is composed of two subunits, S1 and S2, which are responsible for different functions:
- S1 Subunit: Contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on the surface of host cells.
- S2 Subunit: Facilitates the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral genome to enter the host cell.
The spike protein is synthesized as a precursor that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to become functional. The segment from amino acids 1000 to 1200 is part of the S2 subunit, which is critical for the membrane fusion process.
Recombinant proteins are produced through recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding the protein into an expression system, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. The expression system then produces the protein, which can be purified for various applications.
The recombinant spike protein segment (1000-1200 a.a.) is used in research and vaccine development for several reasons:
- Immunogenicity: This segment contains epitopes that can elicit an immune response, making it a valuable target for vaccine development.
- Structural Studies: Understanding the structure of this segment helps in elucidating the mechanisms of viral entry and fusion.
- Diagnostic Tools: Recombinant spike proteins are used in serological assays to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples.
The spike protein, including the 1000-1200 a.a. segment, is a key antigen in many COVID-19 vaccines. For example, the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine developed by Novavax uses a recombinant spike protein nanoparticle to induce an immune response . This vaccine has shown promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating strong immunogenicity and protection against COVID-19.
