EBV p18 M
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also known as Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a member of the herpesvirus family. It is one of the most common viruses in humans and is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis, also known as “mono” or the “kissing disease.” EBV is also associated with various types of cancers, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
The p18 protein is a structural protein encoded by the EBV. It plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect and replicate within host cells. The p18 protein is part of the viral capsid, which is the protein shell that encases the viral DNA. This protein is essential for the assembly and stability of the virus particle.
Recombinant proteins are proteins that are artificially produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the protein of interest into a host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, which then produces the protein. The recombinant p18 protein from EBV is typically produced in E. coli bacteria.
The term “mosaic” in the context of recombinant proteins refers to a protein that contains sequences from multiple different sources. In the case of the EBV p18 mosaic recombinant protein, it contains epitopes from different regions of the p18 protein. This design can enhance the protein’s immunogenicity, making it more effective for use in research and diagnostic applications.
The production of the EBV p18 mosaic recombinant protein involves several steps:
- Gene Cloning: The gene encoding the p18 protein is cloned into an expression vector, which is then introduced into E. coli bacteria.
- Protein Expression: The bacteria are cultured under conditions that induce the expression of the p18 protein.
- Protein Purification: The expressed protein is purified from the bacterial cells using techniques such as affinity chromatography. The purified protein is often fused to a tag, such as a GST (glutathione S-transferase) tag, to facilitate purification and detection.
The EBV p18 mosaic recombinant protein has several applications in research and diagnostics:
- Serological Assays: It is used in serological assays to detect antibodies against EBV in patient samples. This is important for diagnosing EBV infections and monitoring immune responses.
- Vaccine Development: The protein can be used as an antigen in the development of vaccines against EBV.
- Research: It is used in various research studies to understand the structure and function of the EBV p18 protein and its role in the virus’s life cycle.
