Chikungunya virus E2 envelope glycoprotein (CHIKV E2)

The Chikungunya virus E2 envelope glycoprotein is a major surface component of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (UniProt P08491). It plays a pivotal role in the viral life cycle by mediating attachment to host cell receptors, specifically the Matrix remodeling associated protein 8 (MXRA8), which is essential for viral entry into target cells (PubMed: 29769728). Structurally, E2 forms a heterodimer with the E1 glycoprotein; while E2 handles receptor binding, E1 facilitates the subsequent pH-dependent membrane fusion within the endosome (PubMed: 21107422). As the most exposed protein on the virion surface, E2 is the primary target for the host's neutralizing antibody response and serves as the central antigen in vaccine design, including the FDA-approved live-attenuated vaccine Ixchiq (FDA, 2023). Mutations within the E2 gene, such as the A226V substitution, have historically altered vector specificity and increased epidemic potential (PubMed: 18063794). Current therapeutic research focuses on monoclonal antibodies, such as CHKV-24, which bind to the E2 protein to sterically hinder receptor interaction and neutralize the virus (PubMed: 30718519). This target is critical for both diagnostic serology and the development of next-generation antivirals aimed at preventing viral attachment.

Other names

E2 glycoproteinSpike protein E2Envelope protein E2CHIKV E2 protein

Neutralization of viral particles by blocking receptor binding sites on the E2 glycoprotein, thereby preventing attachment to host cell receptors like MXRA8 and subsequent endocytosis (PubMed: 30718519).