Anti-SARS M protein (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

A novel coronavirus has recently been identified as the causative agent of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) (1-2). Coronaviruses are a major cause of upper respiratory diseases in humans (3). The genomes of these viruses are positive-stranded RNA approximately 27-31kb in length. The M protein (Membrane protein, Matrix protein) is one of the major structural viral proteins. It is an integral membrane protein involved in the budding of the viral particles and interacts with S (Spike) protein and the nucleocapsid protein (4-5). Applications: Can be used for the detection of SARS M protein in ELISA. It will detect 10 ng of free peptide at 1 mg/ml. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and add glycerol (40-50%). Store at -20°C or colder. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.