JEV
Description
The E.coli derived recombinant protein contains full length Japanese Encephalitis virus ENV antigen having an Mw of 50kDa. The protein is fused to a 6 histidines tag. GenBank: AHK05344.1
Product Specs
Immunoreactive with sera from JEV-infected individuals.
Product Science Overview
Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is a significant cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. It belongs to the same genus as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses . The first documented case of Japanese encephalitis was in 1871 in Japan . The virus is primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, and it predominantly affects rural and agricultural areas where these mosquitoes breed.
The JEV virion comprises three structural proteins: the envelope glycoprotein (E), the membrane protein (M), and the capsid protein © . The envelope glycoprotein (E) is the major determinant of the virus’s pathogenicity and host immune responses . It plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells and is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies.
Recombinant technology has enabled the production of the JEV E protein in various expression systems. One notable approach involves the use of a Drosophila expression system. In this method, the coding sequence for the signal sequence of the premembrane and E protein is cloned into a Drosophila expression vector . The resulting recombinant E protein is immunoreactive and can be used for vaccine development and diagnostic purposes .
The development of vaccines against JEV has been a critical public health priority. The earliest vaccines were mouse brain-derived formalin-inactivated viruses . However, these vaccines had limitations, including production challenges and potential safety concerns. Recombinant vaccines, such as those based on the JEV E protein, offer a safer and more efficient alternative . These vaccines can elicit strong immune responses and provide long-term protection against the virus .
JEV is the leading cause of viral encephalitis, with approximately 50,000 cases reported annually worldwide . The disease has a high mortality rate, with around 15,000 deaths each year, and up to 50% of survivors suffer from severe neuropsychiatric sequelae . Most cases occur in southern and eastern Asia, but the geographical range of JEV is expanding, with outbreaks reported in regions such as the Saipan Islands, Torres Straits Islands, and mainland Australia .
