Enterovirus Capsid Protein VP1 (VP1)

Enterovirus capsid protein VP1 is a major structural protein of the enterovirus virion. It plays a critical role in viral assembly, host cell attachment, and entry. VP1 is one of four structural proteins (VP1–VP4) that together form the icosahedral capsid enclosing the viral RNA genome. VP1 mediates initial attachment to host cell receptors such as SCARB2, PSGL-1, sialylated glycans, annexin II, heparan sulfate (HS), and vimentin. Small molecule inhibitors targeting the hydrophobic pocket within VP1 have shown potent antiviral activity against various picornaviruses by stabilizing the virion and preventing uncoating/receptor-induced conformational changes.

Inhibition of viral uncoating by stabilizing the virion.