Rabies virus nucleoprotein (N protein) (RABV N)

The Rabies virus nucleoprotein (N) is a fundamental structural protein of the Rabies virus (RABV), essential for the viral life cycle [UniProt P03522]. Its primary function is the encapsidation of the negative-strand genomic RNA, which protects the genome from degradation and provides the necessary template for the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [PubMed: 16501087]. The N protein associates with the viral phosphoprotein (P) and large protein (L) to form the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, a prerequisite for both transcription and replication [UniProt, PubMed: 17108334]. Additionally, the N protein plays a role in evading the host's innate immune system by interfering with interferon-mediated pathways [PubMed: 16501087]. In the context of therapeutics and diagnostics, the N protein is highly conserved and serves as the primary antigen for the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test, the gold standard for rabies diagnosis [CDC]. While most neutralizing antibodies target the viral glycoprotein (G), the N protein is a potent inducer of T-cell responses and is included in various vaccine formulations to enhance long-term immunity [CDC, PubMed: 17108334]. Current drug discovery efforts target the N protein by developing small molecules that disrupt the N-P interaction, thereby inhibiting viral assembly and genome replication [PubMed: 17108334].

Other names

NucleoproteinN proteinNCAPRabies virus NNucleocapsid protein

Induction of cellular and humoral immune responses (vaccine); disruption of the N-P complex to inhibit viral RNA synthesis (experimental antivirals).