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Structural proteins of hand, foot and mouth disease viruses
Insights
Coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71, causes of hand, foot, and mouth disease, show distinct protein profiles. Their structural proteins differ in molecular weight, except for the VP4 protein.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness.
- Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and Enterovirus 71 (E71) are the primary causative agents of HFMD.
- Understanding the molecular differences between these viral serotypes is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the polypeptide composition of Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.
- To identify differences in the molecular weights of their structural proteins.
Main Methods:
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was employed to separate viral proteins.
- Labeled proteins were analyzed to determine molecular weights and distribution.
Main Results:
- CA16 resolved into three proteins, while E71 showed four characteristic structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4).
- VP2 and VP3 of CA16 exhibited similar molecular weights.
- The VP4 protein of both CA16 and E71 shared the same molecular weight.
- Other structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3) of CA16 and E71 displayed different molecular weights.
Conclusions:
- CA16 and E71 possess distinct polypeptide compositions and molecular weight profiles for their structural proteins.
- These molecular differences may influence viral pathogenesis and host immune responses.
- Further research into these protein variations could aid in developing targeted antiviral strategies.
Abstract:
Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and enterovirus 71 (E71), which cause hand, foot and mouth disease, were compared with respect to their polypeptide composition by PAGE. Only three proteins were resolved for CA16, whereas the four characteristic structural proteins of E71, (VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4) were separated. The distribution of labeled proteins suggested that the molecular weights of VP2 and VP3 of CA16 were very similar. The smallest protein, VP4, of CA16 and E71 had the same molecular weight, but the other proteins of the two serotypes were different in their molecular weights.