Quality recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins for research

Consistent supplies of quality recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins have been limited. Our own in-house manufacture of these fit-for-purpose recombinant proteins aims to remove these research barriers.

Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins are essential reagents to support research into the biology of the virus and to act as controls when testing newly developed diagnostics and vaccines during trials. These proteins can be challenging and time-consuming to produce, especially under the new restricted working conditions. To help overcome the scarcity of these essential reagents in the scientific community and increase the speed of research for COVID-19, Abcam is manufacturing a range of fit-for-purpose, recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins.  

The first protein we have launched onto our catalog is the recombinant human SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. We are continuing to develop our COVID-19 protein pipeline, with highly relevant targets, such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein coming soon. These are available for immediate purchase from the catalog or as custom larger sizes to support your research.

Function and therapeutic targeting of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

The nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, enclosing the nucleic acid within this capsid. This protein plays many roles in the viral life cycle: interacting with the viral membrane protein during viral assembly, assisting in RNA synthesis and folding, playing a role in virus budding, and affecting host cell responses, including cell cycle and translation ¹.

The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a key drug target and target antigen for vaccine development ^2,3. Showing higher conservation and stability levels than the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the nucleocapsid protein suffers fewer mutations over time ^4-7. This could be beneficial in increasing the longevity of any vaccine developed using this target antigen.

Our new recombinant proteins for COVID-19 research can be used in in vitro assays to understand how the SARS-CoV-2 virus functions to developing and testing diagnostics and therapeutics.

Consistent production of quality recombinant proteins

As soon as the SARS-CoV-2 sequence was published in early 2020, recombinant proteins have been being produced to support scientists studying COVID-19. However, the supply of these recombinant proteins has been limited within the community, hindering valuable research ^8,9. Understanding the need for fit-for-purpose protein products, we have pivoted our protein engineering and production facilities to manufacture key targets for COVID-19, and support scientists in combatting this disease.

Manufacturing these key recombinant protein targets in-house at Abcam, allows us to ensure the protein quality and batch-to-batch consistency is maintained across the product lifecycle, enabling reliable and reproducible research.

When producing recombinant proteins for research, the end use of the protein is an important consideration. For example, endotoxin levels in the protein reagent may be vital in sensitive cell assays, whereas for ELISA this isn’t a concern. We offer different protein grades so that researchers can choose the optimal protein purity and activity levels for their requirements.

View our latest premium bioactive grade proteins with optimal bioactivity, ultra-low endotoxin levels and ultra-high purity.

Abcam’s products are intended for research use only, not for use in diagnostic, therapeutic or any other purposes.

References

1. Surjit M and Lal SK. The Nucleocapsid Protein of the SARS Coronavirus: Structure, Function and Therapeutic Potential. Mol Biol of SARS coronavirus. 129–151 (2009)
2. Dutta NK et al. The Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS–CoV-2: a Target for Vaccine Development. J Virol.  94(13) e00647-20 (2020)  
3. Kang S et al. Crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein RNA binding domain reveals potential unique drug targeting sites. Acta Pharm Sin B doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.04.009. Online ahead of print. (2020)
4. Drosten C et al. Identification of a novel coronavirus in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome. N Eng J Med 348(20):1967-76. (2020)
5. Grifoni A et al. A Sequence Homology and Bioinformatic Approach Can Predict Candidate Targets for Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2. Cell Host Microbe 27(4): 671–680.e2 (2020)
6. Marra MA et al. The Genome sequence of the SARS-associated coronavirus. Science. 300(5624):1399-404. (2003)
7. Zhu Y et al. Isolation of virus from a SARS patient and genome-wide analysis of genetic mutations related to pathogenesis and epidemiology from 47 SARS-CoV isolates. Virus Genes 30(1):93-102 (2005)
8. Brianna Abbot, “Shortage of test components forces labs to beg, borrow and improvise,” Wall Street Journal, April 5, 2020, wsj.com
9. Ana Mano, “As Brazil’s COVID-19 testing lags, available labs go unused,” Reuters, April 15, 2020, uk.reuters.com.