SARS Envelope
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a member of the Coronaviridae family, which includes a variety of viruses that can infect birds and mammals. The envelope (E) protein of SARS-CoV is a small, integral membrane protein that plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle, including assembly, budding, envelope formation, and pathogenesis .
The E protein is a multifunctional protein that is involved in several critical aspects of the viral life cycle. It is a small protein, typically around 76-109 amino acids in length, and is characterized by its hydrophobic transmembrane domain. This domain allows the E protein to embed itself in the lipid bilayer of the host cell membrane .
One of the key functions of the E protein is its role as an ion channel, also known as a viroporin. This ion channel activity is essential for the virus’s ability to alter the host cell environment to favor viral replication and assembly. The E protein also interacts with other viral proteins, such as the membrane (M) protein, to facilitate the assembly and release of new virions .
Recombinant E protein refers to the E protein that has been produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the E protein into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells, to produce the protein in large quantities. Recombinant E protein is valuable for research purposes, as it allows scientists to study the protein’s structure and function in detail, as well as to develop potential therapeutic interventions .
The E protein is also implicated in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV. Studies have shown that the E protein can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in host cells, which may contribute to the tissue damage observed in SARS-CoV infections. Additionally, the E protein has been shown to modulate the host immune response, potentially aiding the virus in evading immune detection .
Given its critical role in the viral life cycle and pathogenesis, the E protein is considered a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Inhibitors that block the ion channel activity of the E protein could potentially disrupt the virus’s ability to replicate and assemble, thereby reducing its infectivity. Additionally, vaccines that elicit an immune response against the E protein could provide protection against SARS-CoV infection .
