Aicaigou LogoB2B Wiki

Human Rotavirus Antigen

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Human Rotavirus Antigen refers to proteins derived from rotavirus, primarily the VP6 capsid protein, which is highly immunogenic and conserved across strains. It is critical for diagnosing rotavirus infections (a leading cause of severe childhood diarrhea) and developing vaccines. The antigen is produced via recombinant DNA technology or purified from viral cultures, ensuring specificity for immunological applications. In B2B contexts, the antigen is supplied to diagnostics manufacturers, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. Quality benchmarks include low endotoxin levels, high purity (>90%), and validation in ELISA or lateral flow assays.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The VP6 antigen is a trimeric protein with a molecular weight of ~45 kDa per monomer. It retains structural stability in pH ranges of 6.0–8.0 and is sensitive to prolonged exposure to temperatures above 37°C. Lyophilized formulations extend shelf life, while liquid suspensions often include stabilizers like glycerol or BSA. Solubility is optimal in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Tris buffers. Aggregation may occur in high-salt conditions, requiring centrifugation before use. The antigen’s immunoreactivity is preserved when stored at -20°C or colder, with aliquoting recommended to minimize freeze-thaw degradation.

Main Applications

1. Diagnostic Kits: Used in ELISA, rapid tests, and immunoassays to detect rotavirus-specific antibodies or antigens in stool samples. High sensitivity/specificity is crucial for clinical accuracy. 2. Vaccine Development: Serves as a target antigen for subunit vaccines or a quality control standard for attenuated vaccines. Researchers also study its role in cross-serotype immunity. 3. Research: Tools for studying viral pathogenesis, host immune responses, and novel therapeutics. Neutralization assays often employ the antigen to evaluate antibody efficacy.

Safety and Storage

While non-infectious, the antigen demands BSL-2 handling due to potential residual viral components. Use PPE (gloves, lab coats) and work in biosafety cabinets when reconstituting. Avoid inhalation or skin contact. Storage at -20°C or -80°C prevents degradation; lyophilized powder is stable for 2–3 years if desiccated. Liquid forms should include protease inhibitors and be aliquoted. Shipping requires dry ice for frozen items and cold packs for short-term transport. Always validate antigen performance post-thawing.

B2B Procurement Guide

1. Specifications: Confirm purity (SDS-PAGE/Coomassie), endotoxin levels (<1 EU/μg), and sterility. Request certificates of analysis (CoA) for batch consistency. 2. Supplier Criteria: Prioritize vendors with ISO 13485 certification for diagnostics or GMP compliance for vaccine-related purchases. Evaluate scalability for bulk orders. 3. Cost Factors: Pricing varies by purity (research-grade vs. clinical-grade), quantity (bulk discounts), and conjugation (e.g., biotinylated/FITC-labeled). Compare lead times and cold-chain logistics. 4. Testing: Validate in your specific assay (e.g., recovery rate in spiked samples) before large-scale procurement.

Related Manufacturers