Article
Characterization of the 3a protein of SARS-associated coronavirus in infected Vero E6 cells and SARS patients
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Published: | May 26, 2004 |
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A protein encoded by ORF 3a of SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) genome is identified by proteomic approaches. Immuno-blotting results indicate that interchain disulfide bonds might be formed between this protein and the spike protein. ELISA assay shows that sera from SARS patients have significant positive reactions with synthesized peptides derived from the 3a protein. Interestingly, the ELISA-results of the 3a protein are concordant with that of a spike protein-derived peptide. In addition, a tendency of co-mutation between the 3a protein and the spike protein of SARS-CoV isolates is also observed, suggesting that the function of the 3a protein is correlated with the spike protein. Taken together, the 3a protein might be tightly correlated to the spike protein in the SARS-CoV functions. The 3a protein may sever as a new clinical marker or drug target of SARS.