Viral Nucleocapsid N Protein (N protein)

The viral nucleocapsid (N) protein is a highly conserved structural protein responsible for packaging the viral genome RNA into a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. It facilitates genome encapsidation, virion assembly, and RNA synthesis. Maturation involves conformational changes essential for infectivity. The N protein also suppresses host immune responses, making it a key target for antiviral drug development. It contains an N-terminal domain (NTD) for RNA binding, a C-terminal domain (CTD) for dimerization, and intrinsically disordered regions. Inhibiting maturation processes, such as protease activity or critical domain interactions, can prevent the production of infectious particles.

Other names

Nucleocapsid proteinN proteinSARS-CoV-2 N proteinCoronavirus N protein

Disruption of oligomerization/aggregation; inhibition of protease activity (potential)