Coxsackievirus A16 capsid protein (main antigens: VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4) (CVA16 antigen (less commonly VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4 for individual proteins))

Coxsackievirus A16 antigen generally refers to the structural proteins forming the viral capsid, principally VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4, which display multiple conformational and sequence-defined epitopes recognized by the immune system. These antigens are the primary targets of neutralizing antibodies induced by infection or vaccination, playing a crucial role in the prevention of viral entry into host cells. Coxsackievirus A16 antigens are under investigation as both diagnostic markers (for serology) and as candidates for vaccine development and antibody-based therapies aimed at preventing or treating hand, foot and mouth disease. These proteins mediate viral attachment and uncoating by interacting with cellular receptors, most notably heparan sulfate (attachment) and SCARB2 (uncoating), and are associated with viral pathogenesis in young children[2][3][1]. **Note:** - "Coxsackievirus A16 antigen" is not a unique gene/protein but a collective descriptor of antigenic viral proteins, mainly the capsid proteins[2][4]. For structured data, VP1 is the single most commonly used antigen for neutralizing antibody response and diagnostics[2].

Other names

CVA16 capsid antigenCVA16 structural proteinCoxsackievirus A16 VP1/VP2/VP3/VP4CVA16 virus-like particle (when used as immunogen/vaccine)

Neutralizing antibodies block viral entry by: - Inhibiting attachment to host receptor heparan sulfate - Interfering with uncoating by blocking interaction with SCARB2 receptor