Murine Hepatitis Virus (MHV) Research Reagents — Antibodies & Recombinant Proteins

Spike NTD — Receptor-Binding Domain (CEACAM1a)
Unlike SARS-CoV-2, MHV uses its spike N-terminal domain (NTD) — not the CTD — to bind the CEACAM1a receptor. The NTD determines host range and tissue tropism. NTD mutations in the JHM strain are responsible for its unique neurotropism and ability to cause demyelinating disease. Available:
• Spike NTD C-Fc (VK107011) — Fc-tagged for Protein A capture and SPR binding studies with CEACAM1a
• Spike NTD C-His (VK107021) and N-His (VK107012)
• Additional NTD variant: C-His (VK145011)
• Anti-Spike NTD polyclonal antibody (VK107014)

Spike CTD — Fusion & Structural Domain
The spike CTD contains the S2 fusion machinery (fusion peptide, HR1/HR2 heptad repeats). Anti-CTD antibodies can block membrane fusion post-receptor binding. Available:
• Spike CTD C-Fc (VK107031), C-His (VK107041), and N-His (VK107022)
• Anti-Spike CTD polyclonal antibody (VK107024)

Nucleocapsid Protein (N)
N protein encapsidates the viral RNA genome and is the primary target for MHV diagnostic ELISA in laboratory animal health monitoring (rodent colony screening for MHV contamination). Available: recombinant N protein N-His (VK107032) and anti-N polyclonal antibody (VK107034).

3CL Protease (Main Protease / Mpro)
MHV 3CL protease is structurally homologous to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and was the original model coronavirus protease used to develop protease inhibitor assay platforms. Available: recombinant 3CL protease N-His (VK107042) and anti-3CL polyclonal antibody (VK107044).

Why is MHV important if it doesn't infect humans?
MHV is the gold-standard model coronavirus for BSL-2 research. Before SARS-CoV-2, virtually everything known about coronavirus replication, recombination, and pathogenesis was established using MHV. MHV-JHM demyelinating encephalomyelitis is a widely used model for multiple sclerosis. MHV-A59 hepatitis models viral hepatitis and liver immunopathology. Using MHV allows coronavirus research at BSL-2 instead of BSL-3, making it accessible to more laboratories.

Can MHV 3CL protease be used for SARS-CoV-2 antiviral screening?
Yes. MHV 3CL protease shares structural homology with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (the target of nirmatrelvir/Paxlovid). Our MHV 3CL protease (VK107042) is suitable for comparative protease inhibitor screening and can be used alongside our SARS-CoV-2 NSP panel and IBV 3CL protease for pan-coronavirus drug breadth studies.

Which reagents are best for MHV colony screening?
Use nucleocapsid protein N-His (VK107032) as the ELISA coating antigen for IgG serology — N protein is the standard diagnostic target for rodent colony MHV screening, recommended by FELASA and AALAS guidelines. The anti-N pAb (VK107034) enables IHC detection in tissue sections from suspect animals.

Explore reagents for related coronaviruses:

MHV ✓ SARS-CoV-2 SL-CoVs / SARS-CoV / Seasonal HCoVs MERS-CoV IBV PDCoV PEDV