Coxsackievirus B2 antigens (CVB2 antigens) (CVB2 antigens)

Coxsackievirus B2 (CVB2) antigens are structural proteins, primarily VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4, that constitute the viral capsid of this Enterovirus B species member (ViralZone). These antigens are critical for the virus's ability to recognize and bind to host cell receptors, such as the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR), facilitating viral entry and subsequent infection (Science, 1997). CVB2 is a significant human pathogen associated with a range of clinical manifestations, including aseptic meningitis, pleurodynia, and potentially life-threatening myocarditis or neonatal sepsis (StatPearls). In the context of drug development, these antigens serve as primary targets for neutralizing antibodies and small-molecule capsid inhibitors like pleconaril, which aim to block viral attachment or uncoating (Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1999). While no specific antiviral therapy is currently FDA-approved for CVB2, research into subunit or inactivated vaccines focuses on these antigens to elicit protective immune responses (PubMed). Understanding the structural variability of these antigens is essential for overcoming challenges such as viral mutation and ensuring broad-spectrum efficacy across different enterovirus strains (ViralZone).

Other names

CVB2Coxsackie B2 virusCoxsackievirus B serotype 2Enterovirus B

Pleconaril acts by binding to a hydrophobic pocket within the viral capsid protein VP1, which prevents the virus from uncoating and releasing its RNA into the host cell (Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1999). Neutralizing antibodies (from vaccines or IVIG) bind to surface antigens to prevent viral attachment to host receptors such as the Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) (Science, 1997).