TBEV gE

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant public health concern in various parts of Europe and Asia. It belongs to the family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus. TBEV is primarily transmitted through tick bites and can cause severe neurological diseases, including encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis. The virus is divided into three main subtypes: European, Siberian, and Far-Eastern .

The envelope (E) protein of TBEV plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. It is located on the surface of the viral particle and is responsible for mediating the entry of the virus into host cells. The E protein is also the primary target for neutralizing antibodies, making it a key component in vaccine development .

The recombinant gE protein refers to a genetically engineered version of the E protein. This recombinant protein is produced using various biotechnological methods, often involving the expression of the protein in bacterial or mammalian cell systems. The recombinant gE protein is used in research and vaccine development due to its ability to induce an immune response in the host .

The recombinant gE protein has shown promise in the development of subunit vaccines for TBEV. Subunit vaccines use a fragment of the pathogen, such as the gE protein, to stimulate an immune response without causing disease. Studies have demonstrated that the recombinant gE protein can induce the production of neutralizing antibodies against TBEV, providing partial protection against the virus .

In addition to its use in vaccines, the recombinant gE protein is also valuable in diagnostic applications. It can be used in serological tests to detect antibodies against TBEV in patient sera. This is particularly useful for diagnosing TBEV infections and monitoring the immune response in vaccinated individuals .