B cell receptor (BCR) recognizing Zika virus envelope protein epitopes (BCR)

The B cell receptor (BCR) recognizing Zika virus envelope protein epitopes is a specialized membrane-bound immunoglobulin that serves as the primary sensor for Zika virus (ZIKV) in the adaptive immune system. These receptors specifically bind to the ZIKV envelope (E) protein, which is the major surface protein responsible for viral attachment and entry into host cells (Sapparapu et al., Nature, 2016). Upon binding to specific epitopes—such as the E-dimer epitope or Domain III—the BCR initiates intracellular signaling that leads to B cell activation, clonal expansion, and differentiation into plasma cells that secrete neutralizing antibodies (Robbiani et al., Cell, 2017). In the context of drug development, these BCRs are the intended targets of vaccines designed to elicit a protective immune response and are the source of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies like ZIKV-117 (Sapparapu et al., Nature, 2016). A significant therapeutic challenge is the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where antibodies generated by these BCRs may cross-react with other flaviviruses like Dengue, potentially facilitating viral entry and exacerbating disease (Dejnirattisai et al., Nature, 2016). Consequently, modern research focuses on identifying BCRs that recognize highly specific, non-cross-reactive epitopes to ensure safety and efficacy in diverse populations.

Other names

Zika virus-specific B cell receptorZIKV-specific BCRSurface immunoglobulin recognizing Zika virus envelope proteinB-lymphocyte antigen receptor (ZIKV-specific)

The B cell receptor binds to specific epitopes on the Zika virus envelope protein, triggering a signaling cascade that leads to B cell differentiation into plasma cells. These plasma cells produce antibodies that neutralize the virus by preventing attachment to host cells, inhibiting membrane fusion, or interfering with viral assembly (Robbiani et al., Cell, 2017; Sapparapu et al., Nature, 2016).