Zaire ebolavirus Polymerase L Protein (L protein)

The L protein of Zaire ebolavirus (Ebola virus, EBOV) is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and serves as the major catalytic subunit responsible for viral genome replication and transcription. It is essential for synthesizing viral mRNAs, capping, and polyadenylation processes. The L gene is the largest in the EBOV genome and encodes this multifunctional enzyme. It forms a complex with its cofactor VP35; together, they constitute the basic functional unit required for viral RNA synthesis. Due to its high conservation across filoviruses and central role in replication/transcription machinery, the L-VP35 complex is considered an excellent target for broad-spectrum antivirals against Ebola virus disease.

Suramin inhibits Ebola virus polymerase by binding at its highly conserved NTP entry channel, blocking substrate access to the active site.