Adenovirus type 5 hexon protein (HAdV-5 hexon)

The Adenovirus type 5 hexon protein is the most abundant structural protein of the Human Adenovirus C serotype 5 (HAdV-C5) capsid, forming the 240 hexon capsomeres that make up the icosahedral shell (UniProt: P04133). It is a trimeric protein essential for the structural integrity of the virion and plays a key role in the transport of the viral genome to the host cell nucleus (PubMed: 21610195). The hexon protein is the primary target of the host's neutralizing antibody response, specifically through its surface-exposed hypervariable regions (HVRs) (PubMed: 15831954). In the context of gene therapy, the high prevalence of pre-existing anti-hexon antibodies in the human population is a major barrier, often leading to rapid clearance of HAdV-5-based vectors and reduced therapeutic efficacy (PubMed: 18216224). While small molecule inhibitors directly targeting the hexon protein are not currently in standard clinical use, it is a central target for vaccine development and passive immunotherapy using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (PubMed: 23552835).

Other names

Major capsid protein IIL3 hexon proteinHexon proteinHAdV-C5 hexon

Neutralization of viral particles and inhibition of viral entry into host cells.