Protein is >85% pure as determined by 10% SDS-PAGE (coomassie staining).
DSGCVVSWKNKELKCGSGIFITDNVHTWTEQYKFQPESPSKLASAIQKAHEEGICGIRSVTRLENLMW
KQITPELNHILSENEVKLTIMTGDIKGIMQAGKRSLQPQPTELKYSWKTWGKAKMLSTESHNQTFLID
GPETAECPNTNRAWNSLEVEDYGFGVFTTNIWLKLREKQDVFCDSKLMSAAIKDNRAVHADMGYWIES
ALNDTWKIEKASFIEVKSCHWPKSHTLWSNGVLESEMIIPKNFAGPVSQHNYRPGYHTQTAGPWHLGK
LEMDFDFCEGTTVVVTEDCGNRGPSLRTTTASGKLITEWCCRSCTLPPLRYRGEDGCWYGMEIRPLKE
KEENLVNSLVTA
Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that poses a significant global health threat, with approximately 390 million infections annually. The virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Dengue virus infection can result in a range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic infection to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a highly conserved glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the dengue virus life cycle. It is involved in viral replication, immune evasion, and pathogenesis. NS1 is unique among flavivirus proteins because it exists in multiple forms: intracellular, membrane-associated, and secreted. The secreted form of NS1 is particularly important in the context of dengue pathogenesis and immune response.
NS1 is indispensable for viral RNA replication. It forms a complex with other nonstructural proteins and viral RNA, facilitating the replication process. The exact molecular mechanisms by which NS1 contributes to viral replication are still being elucidated, but its interaction with other viral components is critical for the efficient production of viral progeny .
NS1 plays a multifaceted role in immune evasion and pathogenesis. It can modulate the host immune response by interacting with various immune cells and molecules. NS1 has been shown to induce endothelial cell dysfunction, leading to increased vascular permeability and contributing to the severe clinical manifestations of dengue, such as DHF and DSS . Additionally, NS1 can activate complement pathways and promote inflammation, further exacerbating disease severity.
Recombinant NS1 proteins are produced using various expression systems, such as bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian cells. These recombinant proteins are used in research to study the structure and function of NS1, as well as in the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines. Recombinant NS1 has been shown to elicit strong immune responses, making it a promising candidate for vaccine development .
NS1 is a valuable target for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. NS1-based diagnostic tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), are widely used for the early detection of dengue infection. These tests can detect NS1 antigen in the blood of infected individuals, providing a rapid and accurate diagnosis .
In terms of therapeutic applications, NS1-specific antibodies have shown potential in providing protective immunity against dengue virus. These antibodies can neutralize the virus and prevent its interaction with host cells, thereby reducing disease severity . Additionally, NS1-based vaccines are being developed to induce protective immune responses and confer long-term immunity against dengue virus.