Zika virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Assay Kits

Polyprotein processing protease enzymes from Flaviviridae group are considered important drug targets. Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease recognises a specific amino acid sequence valine-lysine-lysine-arginine (VKKR) and processes the polyprotein into individual functional proteins or peptides. However, this protease can also recognise and digest valine-lysine-arginine-arginine (VKRR). Using this kit the Zika virus NS3-NS2B protease activity is tested against a Benzoyl−norleucine−lysine−arginine−arginine−7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (Bz-Nle-KRR-AMC) fluorescent substrate. Digestion of the substrate Bz-Nle-KRR-AMC by the protease will release fluorescent AMC and the increase in fluorescence can be read by measuring the 440-460 nm emission after excitation at 340-360 nm. 

These assays are performed in 96 well microtitre plates and contain the NS3 protease, the substrate Bz-Nle-KRR-AMC, assay and dilution buffers and microtitre plates.