Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. It is responsible for causing dengue fever, a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus, namely DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that specific serotype but not to the others, which means a person can be infected with dengue up to four times.
Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a glycoprotein encoded by the dengue virus genome. It is a multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in the viral replication cycle and pathogenesis. NS1 is involved in the formation of the viral replication complex and is essential for viral RNA synthesis. Additionally, NS1 is secreted from infected cells and can be found in the bloodstream of infected individuals. It is known to interact with various components of the host immune system, contributing to immune evasion and pathogenesis.
NS1 subtype 2 refers to the NS1 protein derived from the DENV-2 serotype. DENV-2 is one of the most prevalent and virulent serotypes of the dengue virus. The NS1 protein of DENV-2 has been extensively studied due to its significant role in the disease’s severity and its potential as a diagnostic marker and vaccine target.
Recombinant NS1 refers to the NS1 protein that has been produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the NS1 protein into an expression system, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, to produce the protein in large quantities. Recombinant NS1 is used in various research and diagnostic applications, including the development of diagnostic assays and vaccines.