West Nile virus envelope protein: role in diagnosis and immunity

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001 Dec:951:325-7.

Abstract

The role of antibodies to the West Nile virus envelope (E) protein in serodiagnosis and protection was examined. The E protein was expressed and purified in recombinant form. Antibodies to the E protein were detected in patients with West Nile virus infection. Passive immunization with rabbit anti-E protein sera also partially protected mice from challenge with West Nile virus. The humoral response to the West Nile virus E protein is therefore useful as an aid in the diagnosis and may also play a role in immunity to infection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology*
  • West Nile Fever / diagnosis*
  • West Nile Fever / immunology*
  • West Nile virus / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Envelope Proteins