Nucleoprotein, RABV (NP)

Nucleoprotein(NP) is one of most abundant and highly immunogenic protein in rabies virus (RV). Like other negative-stranded RNA viruses, nucleoprotein and genomic RNA are organized and forms a complex, which is contained in a lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane. NP encapsidates the genome in a ratio of one protein N per nine ribonucleotides, protecting it from nucleases. If NP is expressed without protein P,  it binds non-specifically RNA. Interaction with protein P abolishes any non-specific RNA binding, and prevents phosphorylation. The soluble N-P complex encapsidates specifically the genomic RNA, with protein N protecting the genome like a pearl necklace.