Rubella Antigen (Rubella)
or German measles antigen
Rubella virus a togavirus, is enveloped and has a single-stranded RNA genome. The virus is a spherical, 40- to 80-nm, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus surrounded by a lipoprotein envelope. It contains three major structural peptides, which are offered here. The virus is transmitted by the respiratory route and is the causative agent for German measles. Although usually a mild illness in adults, infection of the mother by Rubella virus during pregnancy can have a serious effect on the fetus if the mother is infected within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Rubella Strain used here: Therien. Generally, E.coli expressed proteins are un-folded, purified and refolded in their soluble state. Baculovirus expressed proteins are cytosolically expressed, solubilized and purified in their native state. These purified proteins are soluble in aqueous buffer (pH 6-8.5), however, sarcosyl is added for clarity and glycerol provides conformational stability upon freezing. Applications require dilution of the proteins in aqueous buffers that minimizes carry over of excess stabilizer and/or detergent.