Enterovirus 71 capsid 5-fold axis region (EV71 5-fold axis)

The Enterovirus 71 (EV71) capsid 5-fold axis region is a prominent structural feature of the icosahedral viral shell, formed by the convergence of five VP1 capsid proteins (Plevka et al., 2012). This region is functionally significant as it contains the binding site for the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) receptor, which facilitates viral entry into immune cells (Nishimura et al., 2009). The 5-fold vertex is characterized by a mesa structure that is a major target for potent neutralizing antibodies, such as D5 and 10D3, which block receptor attachment (Ye et al., 2016). Additionally, small molecules like suramin have been shown to bind specifically to the 5-fold axis, effectively neutralizing the virus by preventing its interaction with host cells (Wang et al., 2014). As EV71 is a primary causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and can lead to severe neurological complications like encephalitis, this region is a critical target for both vaccine design and antiviral therapy (Baggen et al., 2018). The structural conservation of this region across different EV71 genotypes makes it an attractive site for developing broad-spectrum inhibitors.

Other names

EV71 5-fold vertexEnterovirus A71 capsid vertexVP1 5-fold symmetry axisEV71 mesa region

Inhibition of viral attachment to host receptors (e.g., PSGL-1) and prevention of viral uncoating by stabilizing the capsid structure or sterically hindering receptor access (Wang et al., 2014; Ye et al., 2016).