Adenovirus antigen

Adenovirus antigens refer generally to the structural (and to a lesser extent nonstructural) proteins encoded and expressed as components of the human adenovirus particle, a medium-sized (70–100 nm), non-enveloped, icosahedral virus with a double-stranded DNA genome[1][3][4][5]. The main antigenic proteins include the hexon, penton base, and fiber proteins, which are used for virus classification and for serological tests[3][5]. The hexon is the major capsid protein and carries group- and type-specific epitopes recognized by the immune system, while the penton and fiber carry type-specific and group-reactive epitopes[3][5]. Adenovirus antigens are common triggers of the host immune response in adenoviral infections and are used as diagnostic markers to detect viral exposure or acute infection[5]. Detection of adenovirus antigens does not refer to a unique therapeutic target like a receptor, enzyme, or transporter; rather, it describes a heterogeneous group of viral proteins recognized by host antibodies. This target entry is considered incorrect or too vague for structured pharmacological or therapeutic annotation, as it does not describe a single, well-defined host or viral molecular target relevant for direct drug action.

Other names

Adenoviral antigenshuman adenovirus antigenadenovirus structural proteins