Rabies Virus (RABV)
Viral Structure, Key Antigen Targets and Research Applications
RABV virion structure(DOI: 10.1126/science.1181766)
Overview
Rabies virus (RABV) is an enveloped, bullet-shaped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Lyssavirus within the family Rhabdoviridae. It is the principal causative agent of rabies, a severe zoonotic disease that affects mammals and can cause fatal encephalitis after the onset of clinical symptoms.
The RABV genome is approximately 12 kb in length and encodes five major structural proteins: nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and large protein (L). These proteins coordinate viral entry, transcription, genome replication, assembly, budding, and interactions with host cells.
RABV research focuses on viral neurotropism, replication mechanisms, host–virus interactions, antigenicity, immune responses, and vaccine development. Among the viral proteins, G and N are particularly important research targets because of their roles in viral entry, antigen recognition, and host immune responses.
The glycoprotein (G) is the major surface antigen and neutralizing antibody target, while the nucleoprotein (N) is widely used for diagnostic detection and serological studies.
RABV Structure
Rabies virus has a characteristic bullet-shaped virion surrounded by a lipid envelope. The viral envelope contains trimeric glycoprotein (G) spikes, which mediate interactions with host cells and play a central role in viral entry. Beneath the envelope, the matrix protein (M) connects the viral membrane with the nucleocapsid. The viral RNA genome is tightly associated with nucleoprotein (N), forming a ribonucleoprotein complex together with phosphoprotein (P) and the large polymerase protein (L). This complex provides the functional machinery required for viral transcription and genome replication.
Key RABV Research Targets
Key Research Targets
| Target | Key Features | Research Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Glycoprotein (G) | Major surface antigen; mediates viral attachment and entry | Neutralization, antigenicity, antibody and vaccine research |
| Nucleoprotein (N) | Encapsidates viral RNA and forms the RNP complex | Antigen detection, serology, replication and vaccine research |
| Phosphoprotein (P) | Polymerase cofactor involved in RNA synthesis | Viral replication, transcription and host–virus interaction studies |
| Matrix Protein (M) | Connects the RNP complex with the viral envelope | Viral assembly, budding and host–virus interaction studies |
| Large Protein (L) | Catalytic component of the viral RNA polymerase | RNA synthesis, replication and antiviral research |
AntibodySystem RABV Research Products
RABV Antigens
| Cat. No. | Product Name |
|---|---|
| EVV03501 | Recombinant Rabies virus G/Glycoprotein Protein, C-His |
| YVV03901 | Recombinant Rabies virus/RABV G/Glycoprotein Protein, N-His |
RABV Antibodies
| Cat. No. | Product Name |
|---|---|
| RVV03501 | Anti-Rabies virus G/Glycoprotein Antibody (17C7) |
RABV ELISA Kits
| Cat. No. | Product Name |
|---|---|
| KVV02301 | Rabies virus (RABV) Nucleocapsid (NP) ELISA Kit |
AntibodySystem — Reliable Reagents for RABV Research
AntibodySystem offers high-quality recombinant proteins, antibodies, and ELISA kits to support rabies virus antigen characterization, antibody screening, vaccine studies, immune response analysis, and diagnostic assay development.
