HAV VP1-P2A (669-782 a.a)
Description
Genetic Variability and Genotyping
The VP1-P2A junction exhibits significant genetic diversity, enabling HAV strain classification:
CDC protocols rely on VP1-P2A sequencing for outbreak surveillance, employing nested PCR and Sanger sequencing . This region’s variability aids in tracking transmission routes and strain evolution.
Immunological Significance
HAV VP1-P2A (669-782 a.a) is part of an immunodominant domain spanning VP1 residues 767–842 and the entire P2A protein . Key immunological attributes include:
This region’s reactivity is attributed to its role in viral uncoating and capsid stability, making it a prime target for neutralizing antibodies .
Applications in Research and Diagnostics
HAV VP1-P2A (669-782 a.a) serves as a critical tool in virology and public health:
Production and Quality Control
The recombinant protein is produced in E. coli and purified to >90% homogeneity. Critical parameters include:
| Parameter | Specification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Host Strain | E. coli BL21(DE3) or equivalent | |
| Purification Method | Proprietary affinity chromatography | |
| Stability | Stable at 4°C for 1 week; long-term storage at -18°C |
Research Findings and Future Directions
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Virulence Factors: VP1/2A and 2C genes are linked to HAV virulence, though the 669–782 a.a region’s direct role remains understudied .
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Structural Insights: VP1 lacks a hydrophobic pocket, unlike enteroviruses, suggesting a distinct uncoating mechanism .
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Diagnostic Challenges: Emerging genotypes (e.g., IIIA) may require updated assays targeting conserved regions like VP1-P2A .
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Hepatovirus in the family Picornaviridae . It is a significant cause of infectious hepatitis worldwide, primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route . The virus has a single-stranded RNA genome that encodes a polyprotein, which is subsequently cleaved into structural and non-structural proteins.
The HAV polyprotein contains several antigenic domains, which are regions recognized by the immune system . Among these, the VP1-P2A region is particularly notable. The VP1 protein is a major capsid protein that plays a crucial role in the assembly and stability of the viral particle . The P2A protein is a non-structural protein involved in the viral replication process .
The recombinant VP1-P2A protein, specifically the region spanning amino acids 669-782, is produced using heterologous expression systems such as Escherichia coli . This recombinant protein includes immunodominant regions that are highly reactive with sera from HAV-infected individuals . The production of recombinant proteins is essential for developing subunit vaccines and diagnostic tools, as it allows for the generation of viral proteins without the need for live virus cultures .
The recombinant VP1-P2A protein has several applications in biomedical research and public health. It is used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Western blotting to detect HAV infections . Additionally, the recombinant protein can be utilized to study the molecular mechanisms of HAV capsid assembly and to develop new vaccines and therapeutic strategies .
