In:
Journal of General Virology, Microbiology Society, Vol. 87, No. 2 ( 2006-02-01), p. 369-373
Abstract:
The 3a protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus is expressed and transported to the plasma membrane in tissue cells of infected patients. Its short N-terminal ectodomain was found to elicit strong humoral responses in half of the patients who had recovered from SARS. The ectodomain-specific antibodies from the convalescent-phase plasma readily recognized and induced destruction of 3a-expressing cells in the presence of the human complement system, demonstrating their potential ability to provide immune protection by recognizing and eliminating SARS coronavirus-infected cells that express the target protein. In addition, when coupled to a carrier protein, the ectodomain peptide elicited 3a-specific antibodies in mice and rabbit at high titres. These results showed that the N terminus of the 3a protein is highly immunogenic and elicits potentially protective humoral responses in infected patients. Therefore, the short extracellular domain may be a valuable immunogen in the development of a vaccine for infectious SARS.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1317
,
1465-2099
DOI:
10.1099/vir.0.81078-0
Language:
English
Publisher:
Microbiology Society
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2007065-2
SSG:
12
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