Ebola virus viral protein 24 (VP24)

Ebola virus viral protein 24 (VP24) is a multifunctional matrix protein and a component of the Ebola virus nucleocapsid, where it is critical for the assembly and packaging of the viral genome into infectious virions[2][4][6][8]. VP24 is a secondary matrix (or nucleocapsid-associated) protein, representing approximately 7.5% of the total Ebola virus proteins and is essential for nucleocapsid formation, stability, and transport. VP24 interacts directly with the nucleoprotein (NP), and this interaction is indispensable for the formation of the helical nucleocapsid structure[2][4][8]. VP24 is also a key immune evasion protein: it inhibits the host's antiviral response by blocking interferon (IFN) signaling. It achieves this primarily by binding host karyopherin-α (importin-α) proteins, thereby preventing the nuclear import of phosphorylated STAT1, a central mediator in the interferon response cascade[3][9][7]. By suppressing both IFNα/β and IFNγ signaling pathways, VP24 enables efficient viral replication and evasion of innate immune defenses[2][3][9]. Additional reported activities of VP24 include disruption of nuclear membrane integrity, modulation of nuclear envelope components (binding emerin, lamin proteins), and contributing to phenotypes similar to laminopathies, impacting host cell viability and facilitating infection[5]. VP24, along with NP and VP35, is required for the formation of morphologically complete and infectious Ebola virions; its disruption abrogates virus replication[4][8][6]. The interaction interface between NP and VP24 is considered a promising target for antiviral drug development[4][8][9].

Other names

Ebola viral protein 24eVP24Ebola virus VP24

Antagonism of interferon (IFN) signaling (by binding karyopherin-α/importin-α, inhibiting STAT1 nuclear import)[9][3], Disruption of host immune response pathways (p38 MAPK, NF-κB)[2], Assembly and packaging of nucleocapsid[4][8][6].