Norovirus cDNA and Antigen

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). It is classified into at least five genogroups (GI-GV) based on genetic differences. The most common genogroups causing outbreaks in humans are GI and GII. Genogroups GI and GII are further divided into multiple genotypes, with new ones emerging over time. The constant evolution of norovirus genotypes is a challenge in the development of a vaccine or treatment. Understanding the diversity of norovirus genogroups and genotypes is important for tracking the spread of the virus, determining the source of outbreaks, and developing effective control measures.

Norovirus antigen refers to a substance that is specifically recognized and targeted by the immune system as being foreign or harmful. Antigens are typically proteins or other molecules found on the surface of viruses and bacteria, and they trigger an immune response. In the case of norovirus, the virus surface antigen can be used to develop diagnostic tests for the virus and to potentially design vaccines. By exposing the immune system to a specific antigen, it can learn to recognize and respond to the virus if it encounters it again in the future.

The norovirus genome is the genetic material of the virus, which contains all the information necessary for the virus to replicate and cause disease. The norovirus genome is a single strand of RNA (ribonucleic acid) that is about 7.5 kilobases in length. The genome codes for multiple proteins, including the capsid protein (which forms the virus shell), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (which is involved in replication), and the protease (which is involved in processing the viral proteins). Understanding the norovirus genome is important for developing diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines for the virus. Studying the genome can also provide insights into the evolution and transmission of the virus.

The genogroup 1 Capsid protein and genogroup 2 VP1 Capsid protein are structural proteins that are present on the surface of the Norovirus. They are involved in the virus’s attachment to host cells and in the initiation of the infection process. The genogroup 1 and 2 variants of these proteins are used to classify and differentiate Norovirus strains.

The swine VP2 small basic protein and swine Capsid protein are Norovirus proteins that have been identified in pigs. These proteins are similar to the human Norovirus proteins and may play a role in the transmission of the virus from pigs to humans. Research is ongoing to better understand the molecular mechanisms of Norovirus infection in pigs and its implications for human health.

Understanding the various Norovirus proteins and their functions is critical for developing effective treatments and vaccines against this persistent and widespread virus. Ongoing research efforts aim to develop a greater understanding of Norovirus transmission, infection, and pathogenesis, as well as to identify new targets for antiviral drugs and vaccine development.

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.