Lujo Virus (LUJV) Research Reagents — Antibodies & Recombinant Proteins

Glycoprotein GP1 — NRP2 Receptor Binding
GP1 mediates viral attachment via neuropilin-2 (NRP2) — a unique receptor usage among arenaviruses that distinguishes LUJV from all other known Old World arenaviruses. GP1 is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies and the key antigen for understanding LUJV cell tropism and zoonotic potential. Available in three tag formats for maximum assay flexibility:
• GP1 C-Fc (VK092011) — Fc-tagged for Protein A capture, SPR binding with NRP2, and oriented ELISA coating
• GP1 C-His (VK092021) — for direct plate coating
• GP1 N-His (VK092012) — alternative orientation for epitope accessibility
• Anti-GP1 polyclonal antibody (VK092014)

Glycoprotein GP2 — Class I Fusion Subunit
GP2 is the transmembrane fusion subunit containing the fusion peptide and HR1/HR2 heptad repeats. Anti-GP2 antibodies can block the pre-hairpin intermediate during pH-triggered membrane fusion. Available: GP2 recombinant protein N-His (VK092032) and anti-GP2 polyclonal antibody (VK092034).

Z Protein (Matrix / RING Domain)
Z is the RING-domain matrix protein that drives LUJV budding by recruiting the ESCRT machinery, analogous to VP40 in filoviruses and Z proteins in other arenaviruses. Z is a potential target for budding inhibitors. Available: Z recombinant protein N-GST&C-His (VK092022) and anti-Z polyclonal antibody (VK092024).

What makes Lujo virus unique among arenaviruses?
LUJV is exceptional in three ways: (1) it uses neuropilin-2 (NRP2), not α-dystroglycan, as its entry receptor — the only Old World arenavirus known to do so; (2) its 80% case fatality rate is among the highest for any arenavirus; (3) it caused efficient nosocomial person-to-person transmission, unlike most arenaviruses which primarily spread from rodent reservoirs. These features make LUJV a high-priority pathogen for pandemic preparedness.

Do LUJV reagents cross-react with LASV or LCMV?
LUJV is phylogenetically distant from both LASV (Old World, lineage IV) and LCMV, with GP1 amino acid identity of only ~15–25%. Cross-reactivity is not expected. For LASV-specific and LCMV-specific reagents, see our Lassa page and LCMV page.

Can I work with these reagents at BSL-2?
Yes. All LUJV products are recombinant proteins and antibodies — no live or inactivated virus. Standard BSL-1/BSL-2 conditions are sufficient. Live LUJV requires BSL-4.

Explore reagents for related arenaviruses:

Lassa (LASV) LCMV Junin (JUNV) / Machupo (MACV) Lujo (LUJV) ✓ Ebola (EBOV) CCHFV