TBEV NS3
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) is a significant pathogen that causes Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE), a severe neurological disease. TBEV belongs to the Flavivirus genus within the Flaviviridae family. The virus is primarily transmitted through tick bites, and it can lead to a range of symptoms from mild flu-like illness to severe encephalitis. The non-structural protein 3 (NS3) of TBEV plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle, making it a target for research and potential vaccine development.
The NS3 protein of TBEV is a multifunctional enzyme with protease, helicase, and RNA triphosphatase activities. It is involved in the processing of the viral polyprotein and in the replication of the viral RNA. The NS3 protein is composed of two domains: the N-terminal protease domain and the C-terminal helicase domain. The protease domain is responsible for cleaving the viral polyprotein into functional units, while the helicase domain unwinds the viral RNA, facilitating replication.
Recombinant NS3 protein refers to the NS3 protein that has been produced through recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding the NS3 protein into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a host cell (such as E. coli) to produce the protein. The recombinant NS3 protein can be purified and used for various research purposes, including studying the protein’s structure and function, developing diagnostic tools, and exploring its potential as a vaccine target.
Research on the recombinant NS3 protein of TBEV has provided valuable insights into the virus’s replication mechanisms and potential strategies for intervention. For instance, studies have shown that the NS3 protein is essential for viral replication and that it induces specific immune responses, particularly T cell responses . However, it has also been observed that immunity to the NS3 protein alone may not be sufficient to protect against TBEV infection .
In vaccine development, recombinant NS3 protein has been evaluated as a potential target. A study involving a recombinant Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the TBEV NS3 gene (MVA-NS3) demonstrated that while the vaccine induced NS3-specific immune responses, it did not provide protection against a lethal dose of TBEV in mice . This suggests that NS3-specific immunity may need to be combined with other viral antigens to achieve effective protection.
