Study of Japanese Encephalitis Virus NS3 Protein from Infected Pigs
Author Information
Author(s): Deng Xufang, Shi Zixue, Li Shuqing, Wang Xiaodu, Qiu Yafeng, Shao Donghua, Wei Jianchao, Tong Guangzhi, Ma Zhiyong
Primary Institution: Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science
Hypothesis
The NS3 protein of a neurovirulent strain of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) isolated from pigs plays important roles in viral replication and pathogenesis.
Conclusion
The NS3 protein of a neurovirulent strain of JEV isolated from a pig is approximately 72 kDa and is distributed in the cytoplasm of infected cells, including Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.
Supporting Evidence
- The NS3 gene of the JEV SH-JEV01 strain is 1857 bp in length.
- The NS3 protein was detectable 12 hours post-infection in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line.
- NS3 was found in the cytoplasm of various neuronal cells in the brains of infected mice.
- 15.3% of cerebellar Purkinje cells were positive for NS3 staining.
Takeaway
Researchers studied a virus that can make people very sick and found a specific protein that helps the virus grow and spread in the body.
Methodology
The NS3 gene was amplified from JEV-infected cells using RT-PCR, and the NS3 protein was expressed in prokaryotic cells for antibody generation.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on one strain of JEV and may not represent all strains.
Participant Demographics
One-week-old sucking mice were used for the infection studies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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