Expression, Purification, and Antiserum Production of the Truncated UL31 Protein of Herpes Simplex Virus 1

Background: The UL31 protein of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) plays an important role in the HSV-1 replication, however, its pinpoint functions in the life cycle of the virus have yet to be adequately elucidated. Objectives: An antiserum specific for detecting HSV-1 UL31 was prepared as the foundation for future research on the role of UL31 in the course of HSV-1 infection. Materials and Methods: Recombinant protein of UL31 was expressed in Escherichia coli, which was then purified and employed to raise the level of antiserum in mice. Subsequently, western blot and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were utilized to detect the specific antiserum. Results: The recombinant UL31 protein consisting of N-terminal 27 aa of UL31 was fused to EYFP and His-tag. It was expressed, purified, and applied to the preparation of the antiserum. Western blot analysis and IFA demonstrated that this antiserum could detect both the recombinant UL31 and the native UL31. Conclusions: Our results manifest that this antiserum could be conducive to further investigations concerning the roles of UL31 in the HSV-1 infection.