WNV Envelope

West Nile Virus Envelope Recombinant

This recombinant protein, derived from E. coli, encompasses the immunodominant regions of the West Nile virus's N-terminal envelope protein. A 6xHis tag is fused to the protein. Its molecular weight is approximately 42kDa.
Shipped with Ice Packs
Cat. No.
BT10540
Source
Escherichia Coli.

WNV Pre-M

West Nile Virus Pre-M Recombinant

This recombinant protein, expressed in E. coli, is 20 kDa in size and encompasses the immunodominant regions of the West Nile virus N-Terminal Pre-M protein. A 6xHis tag is fused to the C-terminus for ease of purification.
Shipped with Ice Packs
Cat. No.
BT10597
Source
Escherichia Coli.
Definition and Classification

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus . It is part of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex . The virus was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda .

Biological Properties

Key Biological Properties: WNV is an enveloped virus with icosahedral symmetry . Its genome is approximately 11,000 nucleotides long and codes for three structural proteins and seven nonstructural proteins .

Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: WNV primarily infects birds, which serve as the natural hosts . The virus is transmitted to humans and other mammals through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the genus Culex . In humans, the virus can be found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid .

Biological Functions

Primary Biological Functions: WNV’s primary function is to replicate within host cells. It can cause West Nile fever and, in severe cases, neurological diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis .

Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: WNV triggers innate immune responses, including the activation of antiviral effector genes and natural killer (NK) cell signaling pathways . The virus is recognized by the immune system through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) .

Modes of Action

Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: WNV enters host cells by binding to cell surface receptors and undergoing endocytosis . The viral envelope fuses with cellular membranes, releasing the RNA genome into the cytoplasm .

Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: The viral envelope proteins E and M are crucial for receptor binding and membrane fusion . The RNA genome serves as a template for viral protein synthesis and replication .

Regulatory Mechanisms

Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: WNV replication is regulated by host cell factors and viral nonstructural proteins . The virus can evade immune responses through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of apoptosis .

Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: The viral RNA genome is translated into a polyprotein, which is cleaved into individual proteins by viral and host proteases . Post-translational modifications of viral proteins are essential for viral assembly and maturation .

Applications

Biomedical Research: WNV serves as a model for studying flavivirus biology and pathogenesis . Research on WNV has led to insights into viral replication, immune evasion, and vaccine development .

Diagnostic Tools: Diagnostic methods for WNV include serological tests to detect specific antibodies and molecular techniques to identify viral RNA .

Therapeutic Strategies: While there is no specific antiviral treatment for WNV, supportive care and experimental therapies are being explored .

Role in the Life Cycle

Role Throughout the Life Cycle: WNV is maintained in nature through a bird-mosquito-bird transmission cycle . Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to humans and other mammals . The virus can persist in mosquito populations through vertical transmission (from adults to eggs) .

WNV’s ability to cause disease varies with the host’s age and immune status. The elderly and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing severe disease .

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