Enterovirus 71 capsid protein VP1 BC loop epitope (EV71 VP1 BC loop)

The Enterovirus 71 (EV71) capsid VP1 BC loop epitope is a critical antigenic region located on the surface of the viral capsid, specifically within the VP1 structural protein [1, 4]. This loop, typically comprising residues 97 to 105, is positioned near the five-fold icosahedral axis of the virion and is highly exposed to the host immune system [4, 14]. Biologically, the BC loop plays a significant role in viral pathogenesis, including mediating cell tropism and participating in the conformational changes necessary for viral uncoating and RNA release [2, 12]. Mutations in this region, such as the L97R substitution, have been linked to increased neurotropism and virulence in central nervous system infections [2, 3]. As a therapeutic target, the VP1 BC loop is a primary focus for the development of vaccines and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies [1, 5]. It contains potent neutralizing epitopes that, when targeted by antibodies, can inhibit viral attachment and entry into host cells [5, 9]. Furthermore, the loop's structural flexibility makes it a versatile site for the insertion of foreign peptides in the design of recombinant or multivalent vaccines against hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) [4, 10]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this epitope aim to elicit a robust humoral immune response to prevent the severe neurological and systemic complications associated with EV71 infection [11, 15].

Other names

VP1 BC loopBC loop of VP1Enterovirus 71 VP1 BC loopEV71 VP1 BC loopVP1 residues 97-105

Neutralization of viral infectivity by blocking receptor binding, viral internalization, or uncoating; induction of protective humoral immunity.