SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein is a viral protein encoded by the N gene in SARS-CoV-2 RNA.{53462} SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the Betacoronavirus genus of viruses and has 88% sequence identity with two bat-derived SARS-like CoVs.{53459} SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is composed of an N-terminal domain (NTD) that binds RNA, a disordered linker region that contains regulatory phosphorylation sites, a C-terminal domain (CTD) that mediates dimerization, and a C-terminal tail.{62925} In a similar virus, SARS-CoV, the nucleocapsid protein packages the viral RNA into a helical ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that is a template for viral replication.{53460} The SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein is integral for viral self-assembly and is involved in cell cycle regulation. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein gene sequence is greater than 90% similar to the SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein, and it contains 27 T cell epitopes that are identical to SARS-CoV T cell epitopes.{49555} SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein inhibits the formation of stress granules, which sequester viral factors and are involved in the host antiviral response.{62926} SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19, a primarily respiratory illness characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath that can lead to life-threatening complications.{53461,55257,55258} Cayman’s SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein can be used as an antigen or for Western blot (WB), ELISA, protein-protein interaction studies, and other in vitro binding and in vivo functional assays.