B-cell receptor specific for Varicella-Zoster Virus glycoprotein E (VZV gE-specific BCR) (VZV gE-specific BCR)

B-cell receptor specific for Varicella-Zoster Virus glycoprotein E (VZV gE-specific BCR) is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin that mediates the recognition of the most abundant and essential surface protein of VZV (PubMed: 15141013). This receptor is fundamental to the development of humoral immunity against both primary varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) reactivation (PubMed: 29121442). Upon binding to gE, the BCR triggers B-cell activation, leading to the secretion of neutralizing antibodies that inhibit viral attachment and syncytia formation (UniProt: P09333). Because gE is highly immunogenic and critical for viral pathogenesis, it serves as the primary antigen in modern recombinant vaccines like Shingrix (FDA). Therapeutic strategies focusing on these receptors aim to enhance the frequency and longevity of gE-specific memory B cells to provide long-term protection against viral reactivation. Research into the structural basis of BCR-gE interaction continues to inform the design of more effective vaccines and passive immunization strategies using monoclonal antibodies (PubMed: 30635615).

Other names

Anti-VZV gE B-cell receptorVZV gE-reactive BCRVaricella-Zoster Virus glycoprotein E-specific B-cell receptorAnti-gE B-cell receptor

Recognition of VZV gE by the BCR triggers B-cell activation and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies that block viral entry and cell-to-cell spread (PubMed: 29121442).