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The rabies virion-associated 100-kDa polypeptide (VAP100) is a host-derived minor component of the viral envelope
S Xiao1, K Komiya, T S Tochikura
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Japan.
Abstract:
We investigated a minor polypeptide component of 100-kDa detected in the rabies virion (referred to as VAP100) by using a monoclonal antibody (mAb), #16743, which was shown to recognize the SDS-denatured VAP100 antigen by immunoblot analyses. Although the VAP100 antigen was hardly detectable in the cell by usual immunoblot methods with this mAb, we could detect the antigen by a luminescent immunoblot method as well as by immunoprecipitation from the metabolically radiolabeled cell lysates and virions. Fluorescent antibody (FA) staining with mAb #16743 detected the uniformly distributed antigen on the formalin-fixed normal BHK-21 cells, while slight accumulation of the antigen was also seen in the Golgi area when the cells were permeabilized by treatment with Triton X-100 after fixation. Rabies virus infection induced alteration of the behavior of VAP100 to show a spotted distribution pattern in virus-infected cells. Double FA staining with mAb #16743 and rabbit antibody against the rabies virus envelope antigen demonstrated colocalized distribution of the viral envelope antigens and VAP100 in the cell. From these results, we think that VAP100 is a membrane-associated component of the cell, and its colocalized distribution with the viral envelope antigens in the cell implicates an intimate association of the VAP100 with viral envelope protein(s) and a reflection of possible involvement in the efficient incorporation of VAP100 into the virion.
Insights
We identified a 100-kDa polypeptide (VAP100) in rabies virions using a specific antibody. VAP100 is a cell membrane-associated protein involved in rabies virus assembly and incorporation into virions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rabies virus is a significant human pathogen.
- The composition of rabies virions is not fully understood.
- A 100-kDa polypeptide (VAP100) was previously detected in rabies virions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the 100-kDa polypeptide (VAP100) found in rabies virions.
- To investigate the cellular localization and function of VAP100.
- To determine the association of VAP100 with rabies virus infection.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal antibody (mAb) #16743 production and characterization.
- Immunoblot analysis (standard and luminescent).
- Immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled proteins.
- Fluorescent antibody (FA) staining and double staining.
Main Results:
- mAb #16743 specifically recognized the VAP100 antigen.
- VAP100 was detected in rabies virions and cell lysates using sensitive methods.
- VAP100 is a membrane-associated cellular component.
- Rabies virus infection altered VAP100 distribution, showing colocalization with viral envelope antigens.
- VAP100 is likely involved in the efficient incorporation of VAP100 into the virion.
Conclusions:
- VAP100 is a cellular component intimately associated with rabies virus envelope proteins.
- VAP100 plays a role in the assembly and/or incorporation of rabies virions.
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