HEV ORF2 (452-617 a.a.)
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus that primarily causes hepatitis E, a liver disease. The virus is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water. HEV is a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation. The virus has several genotypes, with genotypes 1 and 2 being more prevalent in developing countries, while genotypes 3 and 4 are found in both developing and developed countries.
The HEV genome consists of three open reading frames (ORFs): ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3. The ORF2 encodes the capsid protein, which is crucial for the virus’s ability to infect host cells. The capsid protein is responsible for forming the protective shell around the viral RNA, facilitating its entry into host cells, and initiating infection.
The ORF2 protein is divided into several regions, with the 452-617 amino acid (a.a.) segment being of particular interest. This segment is known for its role in the virus’s immunogenicity and is often used in recombinant protein studies to develop diagnostic assays and vaccines.
Recombinant proteins are artificially produced proteins derived from the expression of cloned genes in various host systems. The recombinant ORF2 (452-617 a.a.) protein of HEV is produced by expressing the specific segment of the ORF2 gene in a suitable host, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. This recombinant protein is then purified and used for various applications, including diagnostic assays and vaccine development.
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Diagnostic Assays: The recombinant ORF2 (452-617 a.a.) protein is used in enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) to detect antibodies against HEV in serum samples. These assays are crucial for diagnosing HEV infections, especially in regions where the virus is endemic. The use of recombinant proteins in these assays enhances their sensitivity and specificity .
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Vaccine Development: The immunogenic properties of the ORF2 (452-617 a.a.) segment make it a potential candidate for vaccine development. Researchers have been exploring the use of this recombinant protein to create subunit vaccines that can elicit a strong immune response against HEV .
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Research: The recombinant ORF2 (452-617 a.a.) protein is also used in various research studies to understand the virus’s structure, function, and interaction with host cells. These studies provide valuable insights into the virus’s life cycle and pathogenesis, aiding in the development of effective therapeutic strategies .
