Chikungunya virus E1 envelope glycoprotein (E1)

The Chikungunya virus E1 envelope glycoprotein is a class II viral fusion protein essential for the entry of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) into host cells. On the mature virion surface, E1 forms a heterodimeric complex with the E2 glycoprotein, which facilitates viral attachment to host receptors. Following endocytosis, the acidic environment of the endosome triggers a conformational change that dissociates the E1-E2 heterodimer and allows E1 to form a fusogenic homotrimer. This process inserts a fusion peptide into the host endosomal membrane, pulling the viral and host membranes together to release the viral nucleocapsid into the cytoplasm. Because of its indispensable role in the viral life cycle, E1 is a primary target for neutralizing antibodies and the development of vaccines and small-molecule fusion inhibitors. Therapeutic strategies often focus on stabilizing the E1-E2 complex or blocking the structural transitions of E1 to prevent infection.

Other names

E1 proteinCHIKV E1Chikungunya virus E1 proteinEnvelope glycoprotein E1Fusion protein E1

Inhibition of pH-dependent membrane fusion by preventing the conformational rearrangement of E1 from a heterodimer with E2 into a fusogenic homotrimer, thereby blocking viral entry.