Transmissible gastroenteritis virus cDNA and Antigen

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a type of coronavirus that infects pigs and causes transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), a highly contagious disease that affects the digestive system of pigs. Symptoms of TGE include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, and can result in high mortality rates, especially in young pigs. TGEV is spread from pig to pig through the fecal-oral route and can also be spread through contaminated feed and equipment. There is no specific cure for TGE, and management strategies focus on reducing the spread of the virus through biosecurity measures such as isolation of infected pigs and thorough cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment.

The antigen is a substance that elicits an immune response when it enters the body. In the context of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), the antigen could refer to a protein or other molecule present on the surface of the virus that triggers an immune response from the host (pig). The presence of TGEV antigens can be used to diagnose infection with the virus and to monitor the effectiveness of a vaccine. In a vaccine, the antigen is typically a weakened or inactivated form of the virus, or a piece of the virus (such as a protein), which can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that protect against future infection. The development of TGEV antigens has been important for improving the diagnosis and control of transmissible gastroenteritis in pigs.

The genome of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a single-stranded RNA molecule that encodes the genetic information necessary for the replication and survival of the virus. The TGEV genome is approximately 26 kilobases in length and is comprised of a single strand of RNA enclosed in a protein capsid. The genetic information encoded in the TGEV genome includes the instructions for synthesizing the virus’s structural proteins, enzymes, and other components necessary for replication. The study of the TGEV genome has provided important insights into the biology and evolution of this virus and has helped to develop strategies for controlling its spread and impact on pig health. Understanding the TGEV genome has also been crucial for the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies.

The membrane protein, encoded by the M gene, is a transmembrane protein that associates with the viral envelope and is involved in viral assembly and release. It interacts with the spike glycoprotein, nucleocapsid protein, and other viral proteins to form the mature virion. The membrane protein is also thought to play a role in the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes during viral entry.

The spike glycoprotein, encoded by the S gene, is responsible for binding to host cell receptors and mediating viral entry into the host cell. It has two subunits, S1 and S2, with the S1 subunit involved in receptor binding and the S2 subunit involved in membrane fusion. The spike glycoprotein is the major target of the host immune response and plays a critical role in determining the host range and tissue tropism of the virus.

The nucleocapsid protein, encoded by the N gene, is responsible for encapsidating the viral RNA and forming the nucleocapsid. It plays a critical role in viral replication, as it interacts with the viral RNA and recruits the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication. The nucleocapsid protein is also involved in evading host immune responses and modulating host cell functions.

The glycoprotein S, also known as the hemagglutinin-esterase protein, is a multifunctional protein that plays a role in viral attachment, receptor binding, and fusion with host cell membranes. It also has hemagglutinating and acetylesterase activities and is involved in viral dissemination in the respiratory tract. The glycoprotein S is less conserved than other TGEV proteins and plays a critical role in antigenic variation and immune evasion.

Understanding the structure and function of TGEV’s key proteins is essential for developing effective vaccines and antiviral therapies against this important pig pathogen. Furthermore, the study of TGEV’s proteins and their interactions with host factors may provide insights into the mechanisms of other coronaviruses that affect humans and animals.

The use of recombinant proteins/cDNA in academic research and therapeutic applications has skyrocketed. However, in heterologous expression systems, successful recombinant protein expression is dependent on a variety of factors, including codon preference, RNA secondary structure, and GC content. When compared to pre-optimization, more and more experimental results demonstrated that the expression level was dramatically increased, ranging from two to hundred times depending on the gene. Bioclone has created a proprietary technology platform that has resulted in the creation of over 6,000 artificially synthesized codon-optimized cDNA clones (cloned in E. coli expression Vector), which are ready for production of the recombinant proteins.