Ebola virus protein 24 (VP24)

Ebola virus protein 24 (VP24) is a multifunctional viral secondary matrix protein found in ebolaviruses. VP24 plays a critical role in virus assembly, nucleocapsid formation, and in suppressing the host innate immune response. It directly binds to karyopherin-α, thereby blocking the nuclear import of phosphorylated STAT1, an essential transcription factor in interferon signaling, and thus enables the virus to evade the host immune system[6][4]. VP24 is structurally distinct with a novel pyramidal or β–barrel fold, and is essential for the formation of functional, infectious viral particles and nucleocapsids[2][3][4][6]. It interacts with other viral and host proteins involved in nuclear membrane function and intracellular transport, further facilitating viral replication and egress[2][5][6]. VP24 is a promising target for antiviral research and structural studies have informed potential drug and neutralizing antibody design[4][6]. There are no approved drugs that specifically target VP24, but its central roles in infection and immune evasion make it of high therapeutic interest. If you are referring to a "VP24" from a non-Ebola or non-filovirus virus (for example, White spot syndrome virus in shrimp, also named VP24), let me know—the structure and function would be distinct[1].

Other names

Ebola VP24eVP24Viral protein 24VP24 matrix protein

Inhibition of STAT1-mediated interferon signaling by blocking karyopherin-α binding; Disruption of nuclear import of immune signaling proteins; Antagonism of host innate immunity.