NSP4

NSP4 is a non-structural protein found in rotaviruses, a genus of viruses responsible for severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children. NSP4 plays a crucial role in the viral replication cycle, acting as both a viral receptor and an endoplasmic reticulum-resident glycoprotein. Its function as a receptor allows the rotavirus to bind to and enter host cells, initiating infection. Once inside the cell, NSP4 helps to assemble new viral particles. It is also known to induce intracellular calcium release, which can contribute to the pathology of rotavirus infection by disrupting normal cellular functions. The protein is synthesized and processed within the endoplasmic reticulum, where it interacts with other viral proteins to form the viral core and outer capsid. NSP4's involvement in calcium signaling and its role in viral assembly make it a significant target for therapeutic interventions aimed at combating rotavirus infections. Research into NSP4 has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of rotavirus pathogenesis and has informed the development of vaccines and antiviral strategies.