Adenovirus 5 E1A Polyclonal Antibody

Target Information

Adenoviruses are DNA viruses generally widespread in nature that are frequently the cause of acute upper respiratory tract infections (i.e. common colds). 49 human adenovirus serotypes have been discovered and divided into six subgroups, A to E, based on observation. They are an important cause of respiratory illness, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and have more recently been recognized as a potential cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Several types have oncogenic potential though most cause self-limiting febrile illnesses characterized by inflammation of conjunctivae and the respiratory tract. The virus can be isolated from the majority of tonsils/adenoids surgically removed, indicating latent infections. It is not known how long the virus can persist in the body, or whether it is capable of reactivation after long periods. In patients experiencing immunosuppression (e.g. AIDS) it can be reactivated, causing disease. Adenovirus vectors, particularly those based on Ad5, have shown great promise for the development of gene therapy protocols and have been used for clinical purpose. The early region (E1A) of the adenovirus genome plays a central role in cellular transformation and regulation of gene expression. The E1A region encodes a series of related proteins (35-46kDa) with multifuctional capabilities and form a specific complex with the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product (Rb protein). The E1A and E1B regions together comprise the transforming region of adenovirus. While expression of E1A alone is sufficient to immortalize primary cells, complete transformation requires the additional expression of the E1B region. Several conserved regions of E1A are similar to portions of other viral oncoproteins like the HPV-16 and HPV-18 E7 and SV40 large T antigen.