African swine fever virus major capsid protein p72 (p72)

African swine fever virus major capsid protein p72 is the most abundant and immunogenic structural component of the virion, constituting approximately 31–33% of the total viral mass[2][3][6]. It is encoded by the B646L gene and forms the outer icosahedral capsid of ASFV via trimeric homomultimerization, adopting a double jelly-roll fold typical of viral capsid proteins[2][3][6]. As the primary antigenic determinant, p72 elicits strong antibody responses and is a critical marker in serological diagnosis and vaccine development[1][4][6]. Monoclonal antibodies against p72 can neutralize the virus and interfere sterically with capsid integrity or receptor binding, offering mechanistic justification for its study as a vaccine antigen[6]. However, p72 does not independently provide robust protection in vivo when used as a subunit vaccine[1]. Co-expression with the pB602L chaperone is required for proper folding and trimerization, which is necessary for accurate structural and immunogenic properties[2][4]. p72’s presence and integrity serve as indicators of ASFV replication, and the protein is essential for virion assembly and infectivity[1][2][3]. Its central role in virus structure and immunity makes it a key molecular target for African swine fever research and a focus of ongoing diagnostic and preventive strategies.

Other names

Major capsid protein p72ASFV p72VP72B646L gene product

Neutralization by blocking virus entry (monoclonal antibodies) - Impairment of capsid assembly (by interfering with protein folding/assembly) - Antigen presentation for immune response (vaccine mechanism)