Bovine coronavirus surface antigens (BCoV surface antigens)

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) surface antigens are a group of structural proteins located on the exterior of the virus, primarily including the Spike (S) glycoprotein, Hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) protein, Membrane (M) protein, and Envelope (E) protein (Wikipedia, 2024; UniProt, 2024). The Spike protein is the principal antigen responsible for viral attachment to host cell receptors, such as N-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid, and subsequent membrane fusion, while the HE protein facilitates attachment and acts as a receptor-destroying enzyme (UniProt, 2024; The Native Antigen Company, 2024). These proteins are the primary targets for the host immune system and are utilized in veterinary vaccines to elicit neutralizing antibodies (Merck Animal Health, 2024; NIH, 2021). Vaccination of pregnant cows with these antigens provides passive immunity to neonatal calves through colostrum, protecting them from clinical syndromes like calf diarrhea and winter dysentery (NIH, 2002; ResearchGate, 2024). Therapeutic strategies focusing on these antigens aim to prevent viral entry and reduce the economic impact of BCoV-associated respiratory and enteric diseases in the cattle industry (The Native Antigen Company, 2024). However, significant antigenic variation among circulating field strains remains a challenge for long-term vaccine efficacy (halavi.org.il, 2024; MDPI, 2024).

Other names

BCoV surface proteinsBovine coronavirus structural proteinsSpike glycoproteinHemagglutinin-esterase proteinMembrane proteinEnvelope protein

Vaccines containing Bovine coronavirus surface antigens induce the production of neutralizing antibodies, particularly against the Spike and Hemagglutinin-esterase proteins. These antibodies block the virus from binding to host cell receptors (such as sialic acids) and prevent membrane fusion, thereby neutralizing viral infectivity. In veterinary practice, these antigens are used to immunize pregnant cows, ensuring the transfer of protective maternal antibodies to neonatal calves via colostrum to prevent enteric and respiratory infections.