Coxsackievirus A16 viral particle (CVA16 viral particle)

Coxsackievirus A16 viral particle is the infectious form of coxsackievirus A16, a small, non-enveloped, icosahedral virion responsible for hand, foot and mouth disease[1][2][3][4]. The particle consists of a protein capsid comprised of structural proteins VP1, VP2, VP3 (surface-exposed) and VP4 (interior), encapsidating a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome[1][2][4]. It mediates cell attachment (notably via interaction with cell surface receptors such as heparan sulfate and SCARB2), triggers host immune responses, and is the target of both neutralizing antibodies and antiviral drugs that interfere with capsid uncoating[1][2][5]. The CVA16 capsid is structurally very similar to other enteroviruses and shows antigenic sites at the VP1 and VP3 loops, critical for immune recognition and receptor binding[1][2]. Therapeutic capsid binders target the VP1 hydrophobic pocket, blocking uncoating and thus infection[5]. Coxsackievirus A16 is a major causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease, most prevalent in children[4].

Other names

Coxsackievirus A16 capsidCoxsackievirus A16 virionCVA16 virionCVA16 viral capsidHuman enterovirus A16 particleCoxsackievirus A16 mature particle

Capsid binding inhibitors (bind to hydrophobic pocket in VP1, prevent uncoating and genome release); Neutralizing antibody blockade (antibodies binding to the capsid surface, prevent cell entry)