Coxsackievirus B3 polyprotein (CVB3)

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a non-enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Enterovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family [1, 4]. The viral genome encodes a single large polyprotein that is autocatalytically processed by viral proteases 2A and 3C into four structural proteins (VP1-VP4) and seven non-structural proteins (2A-3D) [1, 4]. These proteins, collectively referred to as CVB3 antigens, are essential for the viral life cycle, including receptor binding, cell entry, genome replication, and assembly [1, 2]. CVB3 is a primary etiological agent of viral myocarditis, which can lead to acute heart failure or progress to chronic dilated cardiomyopathy, and is also associated with pancreatitis and aseptic meningitis [3, 5]. Therapeutic interventions target these antigens through various mechanisms: capsid binders like pleconaril inhibit viral uncoating, while small molecules like rupintrivir and ribavirin target the 3C protease and 3D polymerase, respectively, to block replication [2, 4]. Despite their clinical significance, no specific antivirals or vaccines are currently approved for human use, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted therapeutic development [1, 2].

Other names

Coxsackievirus B serotype 3 antigensCoxsackievirus B3Coxsackie B3Human enterovirus B3CVB3 polyproteinCoxsackievirus B3 capsid proteins

Inhibition of viral uncoating through capsid binding, inhibition of polyprotein processing via 3C protease antagonism, and inhibition of viral RNA synthesis by targeting the 3D RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [1, 2].