BK polyomavirus capsid protein VP3 (VP3)

BK polyomavirus capsid protein VP3 is a minor structural protein of the BK polyomavirus (BKV), a double-stranded DNA virus that is highly prevalent in the human population (nih.gov, 2017). VP3, along with VP2, is located internally within the icosahedral capsid and plays a critical role in the viral life cycle, particularly in mediating the entry of the viral genome into the host cell nucleus via the importin alpha/beta pathway (researchgate.net, 2014). In immunocompromised individuals, such as kidney and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, BKV can reactivate and cause severe diseases like BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) and hemorrhagic cystitis (wikipedia.org, 2024). VP3 is a significant target for cellular immunity, and BKV-specific T-cell therapies (VSTs) are currently being explored in clinical trials to control viral replication in transplant patients (clinicaltrials.gov, 2024). Additionally, experimental strategies such as the use of ivermectin aim to inhibit viral infection by blocking the nuclear transport machinery required by VP3 (researchgate.net, 2014). Despite its importance in viral pathogenesis and as an antigenic target, there are currently no FDA-approved drugs that specifically target VP3 directly, and clinical management primarily relies on the reduction of immunosuppressive therapy (mdpi.com, 2024).

Other names

Minor capsid protein VP3BKPyV VP3BK virus VP3VP3

Induction of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against VP3-expressing cells; inhibition of nuclear entry by blocking the interaction between the VP3 nuclear localization signal (NLS) and host importin alpha/beta complexes.