SARS Core (1-49,192-220 a.a.)

The SARS-Associated Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Core Recombinant, often referred to as the N protein, is a crucial structural protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This protein plays a significant role in the virus’s life cycle, including its replication and assembly.

The N protein is composed of two main domains: the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the C-terminal domain (CTD), which are flanked by intrinsically disordered regions . The NTD is responsible for binding to the viral RNA, while the CTD is involved in the oligomerization of the protein, which is essential for the formation of the ribonucleoprotein complex .

The N protein is pivotal in the packaging of the viral RNA genome into a helical ribonucleoprotein complex, which is then incorporated into new virions . It also plays a role in enhancing the efficiency of viral transcription and assembly. Additionally, the N protein is highly immunogenic, making it a target for diagnostic assays and vaccine development .

Recombinant N proteins are produced using various expression systems, such as bacterial cells, to study their biochemical properties and to develop diagnostic tools . These recombinant proteins can be used to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in infected individuals .

The high immunogenicity of the N protein makes it an excellent candidate for serological assays, which are used to detect past infections by identifying antibodies in the blood . Furthermore, understanding the structure and function of the N protein can aid in the development of vaccines that elicit a strong immune response against SARS-CoV-2 .