Enterovirus A71 virion capsid proteins (EV-A71 capsid)

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a major human pathogen within the Picornaviridae family, recognized as a primary cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in children under five years of age (Source: WHO). The EV-A71 virion is an icosahedral structure composed of 60 protomers, each consisting of four structural proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4. These proteins form the capsid shell that protects the viral RNA and facilitates entry into host cells by interacting with receptors such as Scavenger Receptor Class B Member 2 (SCARB2) and P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 (PSGL-1) (Source: UniProt P03300). The epitopes located on the surface-exposed loops of VP1, VP2, and VP3 are the critical targets for neutralizing antibodies, making them the focus of vaccine development and therapeutic antibody research (Source: PubMed PMID: 31431548). While most EV-A71 infections are self-limiting, the virus is neurotropic and can cause severe complications including encephalitis, meningitis, and cardiopulmonary failure. Current therapeutic strategies primarily involve inactivated vaccines that elicit a robust immune response against these capsid epitopes to prevent viral infection and spread (Source: PubMed PMID: 26796327).

Other names

EV71 capsidEnterovirus 71 structural proteinsVP1VP2VP3VP4Enterovirus A71 virion capsid epitopes

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that bind to specific capsid epitopes (primarily on VP1, VP2, and VP3) to block viral attachment to host receptors and prevent viral uncoating (Source: PubMed PMID: 22383805).