Ebola virus nucleoprotein epitope NP44–52 (NP44–52)

The Ebola virus nucleoprotein (NP) epitope NP44–52 is a highly conserved peptide sequence, typically YFTFDLTAL, located within the N-terminal region of the Ebola virus nucleoprotein (UniProt: P18272). This specific epitope is a major target for the host immune system, as it is presented by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecule HLA-A*02:01 to activate CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (PubMed: 11160742). The nucleoprotein itself plays a vital role in the viral life cycle by encapsidating the viral RNA genome, which protects it from degradation and facilitates viral replication and transcription (PubMed: 25855254). Because NP is more conserved than the viral glycoprotein (GP), epitopes like NP44–52 are prioritized in the development of next-generation vaccines designed to provide cross-reactive immunity against multiple Ebolavirus species. Therapeutic strategies focusing on this epitope aim to elicit robust cellular immunity to clear infected cells and provide long-term protection. However, the effectiveness of targeting this epitope is limited to individuals carrying the HLA-A*02:01 allele, and there is a potential risk of viral escape through mutations within the epitope sequence.

Other names

EBOV NP44–52YFTFDLTAL peptideEbola virus nucleocapsid protein residues 44-52NP(44-52)

Induction of antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses through MHC Class I presentation by HLA-A*02:01.