West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus Research Products | Proteins and Antibodies | eEnzyme
West Nile Virus Research Products
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About West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is an enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. It is maintained in nature primarily through a mosquito–bird transmission cycle, with humans and horses serving mainly as incidental hosts. Most human infections are asymptomatic, but some produce West Nile fever, and a small proportion progress to neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis.
The mature virion is approximately 50 nm in diameter and contains a host-derived lipid envelope surrounding an icosahedral nucleocapsid. Envelope protein E forms the major surface layer and mediates receptor interaction, membrane fusion, and viral entry. Membrane protein M is generated by cleavage of the precursor prM during maturation, while capsid protein C packages the viral RNA genome.
The WNV genome is approximately 11 kb and contains a single open reading frame. Translation produces one polyprotein that is cleaved by viral and host proteases into three structural proteins and seven nonstructural proteins. These proteins coordinate viral entry, genome replication, polyprotein processing, virion assembly, maturation, immune evasion, and release.
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Genome Organization & Encoded Proteins
The capped, positive-sense RNA genome contains 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions flanking a single open reading frame. The encoded polyprotein is processed in the order C-prM-E-NS1-NS2A-NS2B-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5. Structural proteins occupy the amino-terminal region, followed by the nonstructural proteins required for replication and modulation of host-cell responses.
5′ UTR — C — prM / M — E — NS1 — NS2A — NS2B — NS3 — NS4A — NS4B — NS5 — 3′ UTR
| Protein |
Principal Function |
| C — Capsid |
Binds and packages the viral RNA genome and contributes to nucleocapsid and virion assembly. |
| prM / M |
prM protects E during assembly and maturation; furin cleavage generates M and supports formation of infectious mature virions. |
| E — Envelope |
Mediates attachment and low-pH membrane fusion and is the major target of neutralizing antibodies. |
| NS1 |
Supports replication-complex formation, contributes to immune modulation, and is secreted from infected cells. |
| NS2A |
Participates in RNA replication, virion assembly, and regulation of host responses. |
| NS2B |
Membrane-associated cofactor required for NS3 protease activity. |
| NS3 |
Multifunctional protease and helicase involved in polyprotein processing and viral RNA replication. |
| NS4A / NS4B |
Remodel intracellular membranes, support replication-complex formation, and influence innate immune signaling. |
| NS5 |
Contains RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and methyltransferase activities required for genome replication and RNA-cap formation. |
Scientific Resources & Further Reading
The following trusted organizations and databases provide current information on West Nile virus taxonomy, genome sequences, transmission, surveillance, disease, and viral protein structures.
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