Ebola Zaire VP40

The Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of the Filoviridae family, which includes two genera: Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus. The Ebola virus is responsible for causing severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates, with a high fatality rate ranging from 60% to 90% . The Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) is one of the most virulent species of the Ebola virus, and it has been the cause of several deadly outbreaks.

The VP40 protein is a matrix protein that plays a crucial role in the assembly and budding of the Ebola virus particles . Structurally, VP40 consists of two functionally interrelated domains: an N-terminal oligomerization domain and a C-terminal membrane-binding domain . The protein’s ability to bind to membranes induces a conformational change necessary for its oligomerization. Membrane-associated VP40 forms hexamers, while it can also bind RNA in a sequence-specific manner, forming octameric ring-like structures .

Recombinant VP40 (rVP40) refers to the VP40 protein that has been produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the VP40 protein into a suitable expression system, such as mammalian cells, to produce the protein in large quantities. Recombinant VP40 is used in various research applications, including the development of diagnostic assays and vaccines.

1. Diagnostic Assays: Recombinant VP40 is used in the development of rapid diagnostic tests for Ebola virus disease (EVD). These tests utilize antibody-based technology to capture and detect the VP40 protein, providing results in less than twenty minutes . Such tests are essential for early diagnosis and containment of the virus, especially in resource-limited settings where traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are not feasible .

2. Vaccine Development: Recombinant VP40 is also used in the development of vaccines against the Ebola virus. Virus-like particles (VLPs) containing VP40 and the surface glycoprotein GP have been used to create vaccine candidates . These VLPs mimic the morphology of the live virus and can elicit an immune response without causing disease.

3. Research: Recombinant VP40 is used in various research studies to understand the molecular mechanisms of Ebola virus assembly, budding, and pathogenicity. For example, studies have shown that VP40 can be secreted in an unconventional manner, independent of the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi pathway, and this secretion may play a role in the virus’s pathogenicity .