Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus 1A glycoprotein H (EEHV1A gH)

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus 1A glycoprotein H (gH) is a conserved viral envelope protein encoded by the ORF22 gene, playing a fundamental role in the infection process of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) (Wilkie et al., 2014). It typically functions as a heterodimer with glycoprotein L (gL), forming the gH/gL complex which is indispensable for mediating the fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell membrane (Long et al., 2016). This fusion event is a prerequisite for the delivery of the viral genome into the host cell, specifically targeting endothelial cells, which leads to the devastating Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Hemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD) (Fuery et al., 2020). Given its essential role in viral entry and its exposure on the virion surface, gH is a primary target for neutralizing antibodies and is currently a leading candidate for subunit and mRNA vaccine development (Heaggans et al., 2020). While traditional treatments for EEHV-HD involve nucleoside analogs like famciclovir that inhibit DNA polymerase, targeting gH offers a strategy to block the initial stages of infection and reduce viral dissemination (Stanton et al., 2013). The structural complexity of the gH/gL complex presents challenges for protein expression and vaccine formulation, yet it remains a critical focus for conservation efforts (Gunaryo et al., 2023). Research into monoclonal antibodies targeting gH is also underway to provide passive immunity for acutely ill calves (Long et al., 2016).

Other names

gHORF22Glycoprotein H

Neutralization of viral entry by blocking gH/gL-mediated membrane fusion