The West Nile Virus (WNV) NS3 protease is absolutely essential (along with viral-encoded cofactor NS2B) for post-translational processing of a viral polypeptide precursor in infected host cells. This polypeptide provides the structural and functional viral proteins; and inhibition of its processing could represent a potential treatment for viral infections. Thus; this protease has become one of the key targets for developing anti-WNV drugs. Recombinant WNV NS3 protease can be used in enzyme assay with SensoLyte™ 440; or 570 WNV protease Assay Kits (Cat#72079; 72080) for screening of WNV NS3 inhibitors.
