Tick-borne encephalitis virus cDNA and Antigen

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a type of flavivirus that is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. TBEV causes a viral illness known as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), which affects the central nervous system and can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and spinal cord (meningitis). Symptoms of TBE typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash, which can be followed by more severe symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and seizures. In severe cases, TBE can lead to permanent neurological damage or death. There is a vaccine available for TBE, and avoiding tick bites through measures such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing is also important in preventing infection.

An antigen is a substance that elicits an immune response when it enters the body. In the context of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), 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 (human). The presence of TBEV 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 TBEV antigens has been important for improving the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne encephalitis.

The genome of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a RNA molecule that encodes the genetic information necessary for the replication and survival of the virus. The genome of TBEV is approximately 11 kilobases in length and is comprised of a single strand of RNA that is enclosed in a protein capsid. The genetic information encoded in the TBEV genome includes the instructions for synthesizing the virus’s structural proteins, enzymes, and other components necessary for replication. The study of the TBEV 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 human health. Understanding the TBEV genome has also been crucial for the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies.

The capsid protein, encoded by the C gene, is responsible for encapsidating the viral genome 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 capsid protein is also involved in evading host immune responses and modulating host cell functions.

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 capsid protein and the envelope glycoproteins 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 envelope glycoproteins, encoded by the E gene, are the major targets of the host immune response and are involved in viral entry and fusion with host cell membranes. The envelope glycoprotein has three domains, with domain III responsible for receptor binding and domains I and II involved in fusion with host cell membranes. The envelope glycoprotein also plays a role in immune evasion, by shielding conserved epitopes on the viral surface and inducing a host antibody response that can enhance viral replication.

The nonstructural proteins, encoded by the NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS4A, and NS4B genes, are involved in viral replication and evasion of host immune responses. The NS1 protein is a multifunctional protein that is involved in viral replication, immune evasion, and pathogenesis. The NS2A protein is involved in viral replication and interacts with other viral proteins to modulate host cell functions. The NS2B protein is a cofactor for the NS3 protein, which has RNA helicase and protease activities and is critical for viral replication. The NS4A and NS4B proteins are involved in viral replication and modulate host cell signaling pathways to enhance viral replication.

The polyprotein is the precursor of all the viral proteins and is processed by viral and host proteases to generate individual functional proteins. The polyprotein plays a critical role in viral replication and pathogenesis, as it provides all the necessary components for viral assembly and release.

Understanding the structure and function of TBEV’s key proteins is essential for developing effective vaccines and antiviral therapies against this important human pathogen.

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.