Eastern equine encephalitis virus E1 envelope glycoprotein (EEEV E1)

The Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) E1 envelope glycoprotein is a critical structural protein that functions as a class II viral fusion protein [UniProt: P0E1W1]. It forms a heterodimeric complex with the E2 glycoprotein on the viral surface, which organizes into trimeric spikes [PMID: 25142594]. While E2 primarily mediates receptor binding, E1 is responsible for the fusion of the viral envelope with the host endosomal membrane following endocytosis [PMID: 33658218]. This fusion is triggered by the low pH of the endosome, which induces a dramatic conformational change in E1, allowing its fusion peptide to insert into the host membrane [PMID: 25142594]. Because EEEV causes a highly lethal form of encephalitis with a mortality rate of up to 70% in humans, E1 is a high-priority target for therapeutic intervention [CDC: Eastern Equine Encephalitis]. Current drug development efforts focus on monoclonal antibodies and vaccines that target E1 to neutralize the virus and prevent infection [PMID: 33658218].

Other names

EEEV E1 proteinSpike glycoprotein E1Alphavirus E1 glycoproteinFusion protein E1

Neutralization of viral entry by inhibiting pH-dependent membrane fusion and blocking conformational changes of the E1 glycoprotein [PMID: 33658218, PMID: 25142594].