Ebola virus VP35 protein (VP35)

Ebola virus VP35 protein is a highly multifunctional structural protein encoded by the Ebola virus, critical for viral replication, transcription, and assembly. It acts as an essential cofactor of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex (L protein), facilitates immune evasion by binding double-stranded RNA and antagonizing receptor-mediated interferon signaling, and is indispensable for virulence and pathogenesis in host cells. The VP35 protein contains an N-terminal coiled-coil oligomerization domain and a C-terminal interferon inhibitory (dsRNA-binding) domain, both essential for its function. Disruption of VP35 function attenuates viral replication and pathogenicity, making it a promising—but not yet clinically validated—antiviral drug target.

Other names

Viral protein 35EBOV VP35Filovirus VP35

Drugs or molecules targeting VP35 generally inhibit its dsRNA binding, disrupt its interaction with polymerase (L protein), and/or block its interferon antagonist function.