Recombinant HCoV-OC43 N protein [His]

Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), along with other endemic coronaviruses such as HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-HKU1, is a common pathogen that primarily causes mild respiratory infections. HCoV-OC43 was first discovered through human embryonic tracheal organ culture and shares morphological features with avian infectious bronchitis virus. The HCoV-OC43 genome consists of single-stranded RNA encased in a helical nucleocapsid, and it encodes four structural proteins: spike protein (S), envelope protein (E), membrane protein (M), and nucleocapsid protein (N). While the genome structure and encoded proteins of HCoV-OC43 show significant similarities to those of SARS-CoV-2, the clinical symptoms of HCoV-OC43 are generally milder. Additionally, because HCoV-OC43 can be studied in lower biosafety level environments (BSL-2), it presents an attractive alternative model for SARS-CoV-2 research.

Figure 1. Comparison of Major Features between SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 (Source: Kim MI, et al., 2023)

The clinical manifestations of HCoV-OC43 typically resemble those of the common cold, with symptoms such as fever and cough common in respiratory infections. While most infected individuals experience mild symptoms, high-risk groups—such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals—may develop more severe respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Although there is some correlation between HCoV-OC43 and neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, this connection has not been fully validated. HCoV-OC43 infections are generally self-limiting, and compared to other coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV, the clinical severity of HCoV-OC43 is lower, making it a safer model for studying coronavirus infection mechanisms and vaccine development.

The evolutionary history of the HCoV-OC43 genome shows significant similarities to bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and HCoV-OC43 is believed to have originated from a spillover of BCoV. This cross-species transmission process and the adaptive mutations of HCoV-OC43 in the human population highlight its ongoing evolutionary capacity. The S protein region of HCoV-OC43 has undergone important evolutionary changes during its adaptation to human hosts, giving it unique characteristics in viral transmission and immune evasion. Despite differences in the mechanisms by which HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 enter host cells, HCoV-OC43 still serves as a valuable model and reference for studying the biological properties of SARS-CoV-2 and for developing antiviral drugs.

Human Coronavirus OC43 N Protein His Tag
OC43 N Protein Recombinant
Human Coronavirus OC43 N Protein Antigen
Coronavirus OC43 N Protein
HCoV-OC43 N Protein