Lassa GP1
Lassa GP1 is >90% pure as determined by 10% PAGE (coomassie staining).
Description
The E.Coli derived Recombinant Lassa Glycoprotein-1 (strain Mouse/Sierra Leone/Josiah/1976) containing 205 amino acids, having an Mw of 30kDa and the Isoelectric point is 6.7. The Lassa GP1 protein is fused to a 6xHis tag at C-terminus and purified by proprietary chromatographic technique.
Product Specs
The Lassa GP1 protein solution is prepared in a buffer containing PBS and 25mM potassium carbonate (K2CO3).
While the Lassa GP1 protein remains stable at 4°C for a week, it is recommended to store it at a temperature below -18°C to ensure optimal long-term stability. Repeated freezing and thawing cycles should be avoided.
The purity of the Lassa GP1 protein is determined to be greater than 90% based on analysis by 10% SDS-PAGE followed by Coomassie blue staining.
Product Science Overview
Lassa virus (LASV) is a member of the Arenaviridae family and is the causative agent of Lassa fever, a severe and often fatal illness endemic to West Africa. The virus is responsible for an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 infections annually, with a mortality rate of 15% to 20% among hospitalized patients and up to 50% during epidemics . Despite the significant health burden posed by Lassa fever, there is currently no licensed vaccine or immunotherapy available for its prevention or treatment .
The Lassa virus envelope contains two glycoproteins, GP1 and GP2, which are derived from a precursor glycoprotein complex (GPC). These glycoproteins play crucial roles in the virus’s ability to infect host cells and evade the immune system. GP1 is responsible for binding to the host cell receptor, while GP2 facilitates the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes, allowing the virus to enter the host cell .
The production of recombinant Lassa GP1 involves the use of engineered expression systems. In bacterial systems, the ectodomain of GP1 is often fused with a maltose-binding protein (MBP) to facilitate its expression and purification. The fusion protein is expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells and purified using amylose resin, followed by cleavage with Factor Xa and further purification using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) . In mammalian systems, GP1 is produced as a soluble protein using either the native GPC signal peptide or human IgG signal sequences. The protein is secreted from cells and purified to obtain a homogeneously glycosylated form .
Recombinant Lassa GP1 has several important applications:
- Diagnostics: Recombinant GP1 can be used to develop diagnostic assays for the early detection of Lassa virus infections. The protein’s ability to be recognized by antibodies in human convalescent sera makes it a valuable tool for serological tests .
- Research: The study of recombinant GP1 helps researchers understand the mechanisms of Lassa virus entry into host cells and its interactions with the immune system. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective antiviral therapies and vaccines .
- Therapeutics: Recombinant GP1 can be used to generate antibodies and other therapeutic agents that target the virus. These agents have the potential to provide passive immunity and treat Lassa fever infections .
