Chikungunya virus envelope protein E2 (E2)

Chikungunya virus envelope protein E2 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of approximately 423 amino acids that plays a central role in virus attachment and entry into host cells. The protein consists of three immunoglobulin-like domains (A, B, and C), with domain A serving as the primary receptor-binding region and domain B mediating attachment via glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate. E2 is glycosylated at specific asparagine residues (positions 263 and 345), which can modulate its structure and antigenicity. On the virion surface, E2 associates with E1 as a heterodimer and is essential for both viral entry and the early steps of infection. E2’s dynamic conformational changes—especially in domains A and B—mediate exposure of the E1 fusion loop for membrane fusion, a critical step for infectivity. E2 is a major target for neutralizing antibodies and is under investigation as a candidate for vaccine and therapeutic development due to its functional importance and surface accessibility.

Other names

E2 proteinCHIKV-E2envelope glycoprotein E2

Drugs or antibodies targeting E2 typically aim to block virus attachment or entry, neutralizing infectivity Vaccine-induced antibodies target domains A and/or B on E2 to prevent receptor binding and fusion