Ebola virus VP35 mRNA (VP35 mRNA)

Ebola virus VP35 mRNA is the messenger RNA transcript responsible for the production of the VP35 protein in Zaire ebolavirus. The encoded VP35 protein is a multifunctional component of the viral polymerase complex, acting as a critical cofactor for the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein) and playing a major role in viral nucleocapsid assembly. Beyond its structural and replicative roles, VP35 is a potent interferon (IFN) antagonist that suppresses the host's innate immune response by blocking the activation of RIG-I-like receptors and inhibiting the phosphorylation of IRF-3/IRF-7. Because VP35 is essential for both viral replication and the evasion of host immunity, its mRNA has been utilized as a therapeutic target for RNA interference (RNAi) technologies. Drugs like TKM-Ebola employ lipid nanoparticles to deliver siRNAs that specifically bind to and trigger the degradation of VP35 mRNA, thereby halting the production of the protein and inhibiting the progression of Ebola virus disease.

Other names

Zaire ebolavirus VP35 mRNAEBOV VP35 mRNAPolymerase cofactor VP35 mRNAInterferon antagonist VP35 mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) mediated degradation of viral mRNA via small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) delivered in lipid nanoparticles, preventing the translation of the VP35 protein.