Rift Valley fever virus nucleocapsid protein (RVFV N)

The Rift Valley fever virus nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is a critical structural component of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a member of the Phenuiviridae family. Its primary biological role is to encapsidate the tripartite negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome, protecting it from host cell nucleases and forming the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex necessary for viral replication and transcription (UniProt P03518). The N protein also interacts with the viral L protein (polymerase) and has been implicated in modulating the host immune response by suppressing interferon production (PubMed: 22740399). In the context of disease, RVFV causes severe outbreaks in livestock and humans, ranging from self-limiting flu-like symptoms to fatal hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis. Because the N protein is essential for the viral life cycle and is highly conserved among RVFV strains, it is a primary target for the development of antiviral drugs and diagnostic assays (PubMed: 31434287). Therapeutic strategies focus on small molecules that disrupt N-protein oligomerization or its ability to bind viral RNA, thereby halting viral assembly and propagation (PubMed: 25653454).

Other names

NucleoproteinN proteinRVFV NucleoproteinRift Valley fever virus N protein

Inhibition of viral RNA encapsidation, disruption of nucleocapsid oligomerization, and interference with the interaction between the nucleocapsid protein and the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein).