CoV-NL63
Description
Virological Characteristics
HCoV-NL63 shares key features with other coronaviruses:
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Genome: 27,553 nucleotides encoding structural proteins (spike [S], envelope [E], membrane [M], nucleocapsid [N]) and non-structural replicase polyproteins .
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Receptor: Utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cell entry, like SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, but employs distinct receptor-binding motifs (RBMs) .
Transmission and Seasonality
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Route: Airborne via respiratory droplets; survives 7 days in aqueous environments .
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Seasonal Patterns:
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High-Risk Groups: Children <5 years, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly .
Clinical Manifestations
Data from 587 hospitalized children revealed :
| Symptom | Prevalence in HCoV-NL63 (%) | Prevalence in RSV (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | 71 | 72 |
| Cough | 100 | 98 |
| Croup | 43 | N/A |
| Bronchiolitis | 14 | 61 |
Severe cases correlate with viral loads peaking at 9,760 RNA copies/μl in nasopharyngeal aspirates .
Diagnostic Methods
Antiviral Strategies
Epidemiological Patterns
Cross-Immunity with SARS-CoV-2
A South African cohort study (n=186) demonstrated :
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Protective Effect: Prior HCoV-NL63 exposure reduced COVID-19 hospitalization risk (adjusted OR = 0.0176, p<0.001).
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Risk Factor: HCoV-229E exposure increased severity (adjusted OR = 7.32, p=0.005).
Genetic Evolution
Phylogenetic analysis of S1 domain sequences reveals:
Product Specs
Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63), discovered in 2004, is a coronavirus known to cause respiratory illnesses. These range from mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections to more severe conditions like bronchiolitis and croup. Particularly susceptible are young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The virus is prevalent mainly during specific seasons in regions with temperate climates. Notably, it is not a new virus but one that constantly circulates within the human population. HCoV-NL63 spreads through respiratory droplets, especially during close contact. These droplets can survive on surfaces for up to a week, remaining infectious at room temperature. Upon entering a host, the virus uses its spike proteins to attach to cellular receptors, much like HIV-1. It utilizes the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to target specific cells. Being a positive single-stranded RNA virus, HCoV-NL63 replicates within the cytoplasm of the infected cell through transcription and translation.
This recombinant Coronavirus NL63 nucleoprotein, expressed in E. coli, encompasses amino acids 221 to 340. A 6-amino acid His tag is fused to the C-terminal, resulting in a total of 130 amino acids.
The Coronavirus NL63 protein solution is provided in a buffer consisting of PBS (Phosphate-buffered saline) and 25mM K2CO3 (Potassium Carbonate).
For short-term storage (up to 2-4 weeks), keep the vial refrigerated at 4°C. For extended storage, freeze at -20°C. Adding a carrier protein like HSA (Human Serum Albumin) or BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) at a concentration of 0.1% is recommended for long-term storage. Minimize repeated freezing and thawing.
Analysis by SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) with Coomassie staining indicates a protein purity greater than 95%.
GSSQPRADKPSQLKKPRWKRVPTREENVIQCFGPRDFNHNMGDSDLVQNGVDA
KGFPQLAELIPNQAALFFDSEVSTDEVGDNVQITYTYKMLVAKDNKNLPKFIEQISAF
TKPSSIKEMQSLEHHHHHH
Product Science Overview
Human Coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) is a member of the genus Alphacoronavirus within the family Coronaviridae and the order Nidovirales . It was first identified in 2004 in Amsterdam and is known to cause respiratory tract infections in humans . The virus is particularly prevalent among young children and can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract diseases .
HCoV-NL63 has a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome that is approximately 27.5 kilobases in length . The genome is organized into several genes, including those encoding the spike (S) protein, envelope (E) protein, membrane (M) protein, and nucleocapsid (N) protein . Additionally, it contains open reading frames (ORFs) that encode non-structural and accessory proteins .
Recombination is a common phenomenon among coronaviruses, allowing them to exchange genetic material and evolve rapidly . HCoV-NL63 is believed to have originated from recombination events between ancestral NL63-like viruses and other coronaviruses . This genetic recombination contributes to the virus’s ability to adapt and potentially evade immune responses.
HCoV-NL63 primarily infects the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms ranging from mild upper respiratory infections to more severe lower respiratory tract diseases . It is particularly associated with croup in children, a condition characterized by a barking cough and difficulty breathing . The virus is globally widespread and can cause significant morbidity, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals .
Research on HCoV-NL63 has focused on understanding its genetic makeup, pathogenesis, and potential treatments. Studies have shown that the virus’s spike protein plays a crucial role in its ability to infect host cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor . Additionally, the virus’s accessory proteins, such as those encoded by ORF3, have been studied for their roles in viral replication and immune evasion .
