Recent research on Norovirus (NV) highlights its significant role in acute gastroenteritis outbreaks and the ongoing efforts in vaccine and therapeutic development. As a key member of the genus Norovirus in the Caliciviridae family, it was first isolated in 1968 during an outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, USA. In 2002, the 8th International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses officially named it "Norovirus."
Fig 1.Norovirus Structure
Structural Characteristics of Norovirus
Norovirus particles are small, measuring 26-35 nm in diameter. They lack an envelope and exhibit a rough, spherical shape with icosahedral symmetry. The Norovirus genome consists of a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA of approximately 7.7 kilobases, encoding three open reading frames (ORFs). Based on genetic variations in the major capsid protein VP1, Norovirus is classified into 10 genogroups (GI-GX) and further divided into 49 genotypes.
Fig 2.Norovirus Capsid and Genomic Organization
Key Pathogenic Proteins of Norovirus
Understanding the structure and function of Norovirus proteins is crucial for vaccine and antiviral drug development.
| Protein Name |
Function Description |
Research Significance |
| VP1: Major Capsid Protein |
Composes the viral capsid; its P domain binds to host cells. |
Primary target for vaccine development. |
| VP2: Minor Capsid Protein |
Stabilizes viral particles and packages the genome. |
Important for studying viral assembly. |
| NS7: RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) |
Key enzyme for viral RNA replication. |
Critical target for antiviral drug development. |
| NS3: Helicase |
Unwinds RNA strands to provide templates for replication. |
Important for studying viral proliferation mechanisms. |
Current Progress in Norovirus Vaccine Development
Due to its high genetic diversity and antigenic drift, developing an effective Norovirus vaccine remains challenging. Here are some key advancements:
| Company/Institution |
Key Vaccine Projects/Technologies |
Key Progress |
| Takeda Pharmaceutical Company |
HIL-214 (formerly TAK-214) VLP vaccine |
Completed Phase 2b clinical trial, demonstrating effectiveness against moderate to severe acute gastroenteritis. |
| Moderna |
mRNA-1403 (trivalent) and mRNA-1405 (pentavalent) mRNA vaccines |
mRNA-1403 entered Phase 3 clinical trials, enrolling ~25,000 participants globally to assess efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. |
| BravoVax |
Hexavalent recombinant Norovirus vaccine (Hansenula yeast-based) |
First domestic hexavalent vaccine approved for clinical trials by NMPA. |
| CanSino Biologics |
Hexavalent Norovirus vaccine |
Collaborating with HilleVax to develop multivalent Norovirus vaccines for international markets. |
| CNBG |
Bivalent Norovirus vaccine |
Received clinical trial approval in 2019 as an early domestic vaccine development initiative. |
| Zhifei Biological Products |
Quadrivalent recombinant Norovirus vaccine (Pichia pastoris-based) |
Entered Phase 2 clinical trials, focusing on multivalent strategies. |
Abinscience's Norovirus Research Solutions
At Abinscience, we provide a comprehensive range of high-quality recombinant proteins and antibodies to support Norovirus research.
| Catalog No |
Product Name |
Applications |
| VK441011 |
Recombinant Norovirus GII VP1/ORF2 Protein, C-His |
ELISA, Immunogen, SDS-PAGE, WB, Bioactivity testing in progress |
| VK441043 |
Anti-Norovirus/Norwalk virus Capsid protein/VP1 Nanobody (Nano-85) |
ELISA |
| VK441073 |
Anti-Norovirus/Norwalk virus Major capsid protein/VP1 Antibody (A1431) |
ELISA, Neutralization |
