Andes orthohantavirus glycoprotein Gc (Gc)

Andes orthohantavirus glycoprotein Gc is a critical structural component of the Andes virus (ANDV) envelope, serving as the class II viral fusion protein responsible for mediating host cell entry (UniProt P55108). It is synthesized as part of a glycoprotein precursor that is cleaved into Gn and Gc, which then form heterodimeric spikes on the virion surface (Garrido et al., 2018, Nature). Gc facilitates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host endosomal membrane in a pH-dependent manner following endocytosis, a process essential for releasing the viral genome into the cytoplasm (Cifuentes-Muñoz et al., 2014, Journal of Virology). Because ANDV is the primary cause of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in South America and the only hantavirus documented to undergo person-to-person transmission, Gc is a high-priority target for therapeutic intervention. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs targeting Gc, but it is the primary focus for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and subunit vaccine candidates designed to block viral fusion or attachment (Engdahl et al., 2020, Science Translational Medicine). Research into Gc-targeted therapies aims to prevent the high mortality associated with HPS by neutralizing the virus during the early stages of infection.

Other names

Andes virus GcANDV GcEnvelope glycoprotein GcSpike protein GcAndes virus glycoprotein 2

Neutralization of viral particles and inhibition of pH-dependent membrane fusion within the host endosome