Seoul virus nucleoprotein (SEOV-N)

The Seoul virus nucleoprotein (SEOV-N) is the major structural protein of the Seoul virus, an orthohantavirus primarily transmitted by the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) that causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans (UniProt: P17323). As the most abundant protein produced during viral replication, SEOV-N is highly immunogenic and serves as a primary target for the host's cellular immune response. Epitopes from this protein are processed by the proteasome or endosomal pathways and presented on the cell surface by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Class I and Class II molecules, respectively (PubMed: 31433764). This presentation is essential for the activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ helper T cells, which are critical for viral clearance and the establishment of long-term immunity. Research into these epitopes is vital for the development of next-generation multi-epitope vaccines and diagnostic tools, as the N protein is more conserved across different hantavirus strains than the surface glycoproteins (PubMed: 25605938). Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs specifically targeting these epitopes, but they are the focus of various investigational vaccine platforms, including DNA and recombinant protein-based approaches.

Other names

Seoul hantavirus nucleocapsid proteinSEOV N proteinSeoul virus N proteinNucleocapsid protein of Seoul virus

Induction of T-cell mediated immunity through the presentation of viral peptide epitopes by HLA Class I and II molecules to T-cell receptors (TCRs).