Salmonid alphavirus structural polyprotein (SAV structural protein)

Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) structural proteins are the essential building blocks of the virus responsible for Pancreas Disease (PD) and Sleeping Disease (SD) in salmonid fish (UniProt, 2024). The structural polyprotein is post-translationally cleaved into individual components, including the capsid (C) and the envelope glycoproteins E1, E2, and E3, which are critical for viral assembly, host cell attachment, and membrane fusion (Weston et al., 2002). The E2 glycoprotein is the primary target for the host's immune system, as it contains major neutralizing epitopes that prevent viral entry (Moriette et al., 2006). Because of their central role in infection and immunity, these proteins are the primary focus of vaccine strategies in the aquaculture industry (EMA, 2017). For instance, DNA vaccines like Clynav encode the SAV structural polyprotein to stimulate a robust immune response in Atlantic salmon, providing protection against the virus (EMA, 2017). These proteins are also used in diagnostic assays to detect viral presence and monitor the efficacy of vaccination programs in fish farms (Journal of Fish Diseases, 2015).

Other names

SAV polyproteinPancreas disease virus structural proteinSleeping disease virus structural proteinSAV structural proteinsSalmonid alphavirus capsid and envelope proteins

Induction of neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune responses against viral envelope glycoproteins to prevent viral entry and replication (EMA, 2017; Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 2012).