Zika NS1
Description
Functional Roles in Viral Replication
Zika NS1 drives ER remodeling to create replication compartments:
-
Mechanism: Hydrophobic regions insert into ER membranes, inducing tubulation and perinuclear aggregation .
-
Critical Mutations: Deletion of the β-roll (ΔN8) or mutations in hydrophobic residues (V6A/F8A, F160A/F163A) abolish replication .
Table 2: Impact of NS1 Mutations on Replication
Immune Evasion and Pathogenesis
Zika NS1 modulates host immune responses and contributes to disease severity:
-
Autoreactive Antibodies: NS1 triggers self-reactive antibodies, linked to autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome .
-
Endothelial Damage: Alters endothelial glycocalyx, causing vascular leakage and inflammation .
-
Mitochondrial Trafficking: Promotes tunneling nanotube (TNT) formation for intercellular transport of viral components, evading innate immunity .
Table 3: Diagnostic Performance of NS1-Based Tests
| Assay Type | Sensitivity (Acute Phase) | Specificity (vs. DENV) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELISA (IgM/NS1) | 67.1% (IgM/IgG/NS1 combo) | 96.3% | |
| Lateral Flow (IgM) | 68.6% (IgM/IgG/NS1 combo) | 97.5% |
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Targets
Vaccine Development:
-
NS1 DNA Vaccines: Induce protective T-cell responses (CD8⁺ and CD4⁺) and high antibody titers (IgG2a subclass) .
-
Challenges: Secreted NS1 forms evade neutralizing antibodies, necessitating strategies targeting membrane-associated NS1 .
Antibody Therapies:
-
Autoreactive Risk: NS1-specific antibodies may cross-react with host proteins, complicating treatment .
Strain-Specific Variations
The Suriname strain (Asian lineage) differs from the Ugandan strain in NS1 structure and immune recognition:
Product Specs
The Zika NS1 protein is supplied in a solution containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 100mM arginine.
Product Science Overview
The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has caused significant outbreaks in recent years, particularly in the South Pacific, Americas, and Caribbean islands. ZIKV infection in humans can lead to severe neurological disorders and congenital abnormalities, such as microcephaly . One of the key proteins involved in the Zika virus’s life cycle and pathogenicity is the non-structural protein 1 (NS1).
NS1 is a glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the replication and pathogenesis of flaviviruses, including ZIKV. It exists in different forms within the host cell:
Recombinant Zika NS1 protein is produced using various expression systems, such as Vero cells or human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293). These systems are transduced with a vector containing the NS1 gene from a ZIKV strain. The recombinant protein is then purified and used for various applications, including:
- Vaccine Development: Recombinant NS1 protein is highly immunogenic and can induce the production of antibodies that specifically target the NS1 dimer. This makes it a potential candidate for vaccine development .
- Diagnostic Tools: Due to its immunogenic properties, NS1 can be used as a biomarker for diagnosing ZIKV infections .
- Research: Recombinant NS1 protein is used in research to study the virus’s life cycle, pathogenic mechanisms, and interactions with the host immune system .
The use of recombinant Zika NS1 protein has several advantages:
- High Purity: Recombinant proteins can be produced with high purity, ensuring consistent quality for research and clinical applications .
- Specificity: The antibodies generated against recombinant NS1 are highly specific, allowing for accurate detection and study of ZIKV .
- Versatility: Recombinant NS1 protein can be used in various formats, such as carrier-free formulations, making it suitable for different experimental setups .
