GBNV NP Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products

Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV), a critical plant pathogen, was first described in India in 1968. Classified within the Tospovirus genus, this virus severely threatens economically vital crops such as ground nuts, tomato, and cowpea. Its geographical distribution extends through South Asia, Southeast Asia, and selected African regions. The nucleocapsid protein (NP) functions as a principal structural element, responsible for encapsulating and stabilizing the viral RNA genome within protective ribonucleoprotein complexes.

GBNV Genome and Structure

GBNV displays the tripartite single-stranded RNA genome configuration typical of tospoviruses, divided into three distinct RNA components: L (large), M (medium), and S (small) segments. Each genomic segment utilizes bidirectional coding strategies to express multiple viral proteins. The L RNA segment encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), an enzymatic component indispensable for viral replication. The M RNA segment produces glycoproteins Gn and Gc that mediate vector transmission and host cell membrane penetration, alongside the NSm protein facilitating intercellular viral movement. The S RNA segment generates both the nucleocapsid protein (NP) and the NSs suppressor protein. These viral genomic components become systematically encapsidated by NP molecules to form functional ribonucleoprotein structures essential for viral stability.

Fig. 1 The genome structure and organization of GBNV.^{1, 3}

GBNV Vectors and Transmission

Thrips insects serve as the primary biological vectors for GBNV transmission, with Thrips palmi being the most epidemiologically significant species. Virus acquisition occurs exclusively during the larval feeding stages on infected plant tissues. Once viruliferous, adult thrips transmit the virus persistently throughout their lifespan during subsequent feeding activities. GBNV is not transmitted through seeds. The virus spreads within plant populations mainly through the movement of infected thrips.

GBNV Infection

Viral infection initiates when virions are introduced into plant cells during thrips feeding. Subsequent replication processes hijack host cellular machinery to produce viral components, disrupting normal physiological functions. Disease manifestations vary across host species but commonly include chlorotic leaf patterns, necrotic lesions, apical bud necrosis, growth stunting, and reduced crop yields. Symptom severity depends on multiple factors including viral isolate pathogenicity, host genotype resistance profiles, and environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations.

Fig. 2 Symptom expression of GBNV in assay hosts.^{2, 3}

Importance of GBNV NP

• Structure and Function: The NP is vital during the viral life cycle. Beyond genome encapsidation, it stabilizes viral RNA during replication and transcription processes while participating in virion assembly mechanisms. This protective shielding prevents RNA degradation by host ribonucleases.
• Interaction with NSs: NP interacts synergistically with the NSs silencing suppressor protein to counteract plant RNA interference pathways, enhancing viral pathogenicity.
• Host-Virus Interactions: As a dominant viral antigen, NP triggers host recognition receptor responses that activate systemic acquired resistance mechanisms in resistant plant varieties.

Antibodies Targeting GBNV NP

NP-specific antibodies form the cornerstone of GBNV detection methodologies in plant pathology. These immunological reagents demonstrate exceptional binding specificity, enabling accurate virus identification in infected plant tissues through various assay formats. ELISA represents the most common diagnostic technique, employing immobilized antibodies to capture and quantify NP antigens. Emerging electrochemical immunosensor platforms utilize antibody-modified electrodes to detect NP presence, offering portable field detection capabilities with rapid result generation. Continuous refinement of these antibody-dependent diagnostic approaches has revolutionized both research capabilities and disease management strategies for GBNV containment.

Creative Biolabs provides high-quality anti-GBNV NP antibody products designed for virus detection and diagnosis. Our antibodies offer high specificity and sensitivity, enabling accurate and reliable results. These products can help our customers with their research and diagnostic efforts.

REFERENCES

1. Mitter, Neena, et al. "Differential expression of tomato spotted wilt virus-derived viral small RNAs in infected commercial and experimental host plants." PLoS One 8.10 (2013): e76276. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0076276
2. Gayathri, M., et al. "Deciphering the antiviral nature of endophytic Bacillus spp. against groundnut bud necrosis virus in cowpea and tomato." Frontiers in Microbiology 15 (2024): 1410677. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1410677
3. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.