Alphavirus E2 glycoprotein (E2)

The Alphavirus E2 glycoprotein is a critical structural component of the alphavirus envelope, where it forms a heterodimeric complex with the E1 glycoprotein (UniProt, P03315). As the primary protein responsible for host cell receptor binding, E2 facilitates the initial attachment of the virus to various cell types, including neurons, muscle cells, and fibroblasts (PubMed, PMC4553800). Following attachment, the virus is internalized via endocytosis, where the acidic environment triggers a conformational change in the E1-E2 complex, leading to E1-mediated membrane fusion (Nature, 2010, 468(7324)). Because of its exposed position on the viral surface and its essential role in entry, E2 is the principal target for neutralizing antibodies and a major focus for vaccine and therapeutic development (PubMed, 28834386). Mutations in the E2 protein are often associated with changes in viral host range, tissue tropism, and increased virulence, as seen in the adaptation of Chikungunya virus to Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (Science, 2007, 318(5858)).

Other names

Envelope glycoprotein E2Spike protein E2E2 surface protein

Neutralizing antibodies bind to the E2 glycoprotein to block viral attachment to host cell receptors or prevent the conformational changes in the E1/E2 heterodimer necessary for membrane fusion (PubMed, 28834386).