Anti-Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Antibody (18002) (18002-GRP)

Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGEV) is an enveloped Coronavirus with a positive-sense single stranded RNA genome and a helical symmetry. The genomic size of coronaviruses is approximately 28.6 kilobases. Proteins that contribute to the overall structure of TGEV include the spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N). Other coronaviruses belonging to this family include Feline coronavirus (FeCV), Canine coronavirus (CCV), and Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). TGEV infects pigs. However, in young pigs, the mortality rate is close to 100%. The pathology of TGEV is similar to that of other coronaviruses. Coronaviruses enter the host by first attaching to the host cell using the spike glycoprotein. The S protein interacts with the porcine aminopeptidase N (pAPN), a cellular receptor, to aide in its entry. A domain in the S spike protein is recognized by pAPN, and transfection of pAPN occurs to nonpermissive cells and infects them with TGEV. Once the virus infects the host, it multiplies in the cell lining of the small intestine resulting in the loss of absorptive cells that in turn leads to shortening of villi. The infected swine then has reduced capability for digesting food and die from dehydration.