Envelope glycoprotein B (Herpes simplex virus 1) (gB)

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein B (gB) is a highly conserved, essential viral envelope protein that functions as a class III membrane fusion protein (UniProt P06437) [1]. It plays a critical role in the viral life cycle by mediating the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, a process triggered by the interaction of other glycoproteins like gD with cellular receptors [2]. Beyond its primary role as a fusogen, gB is involved in the initial attachment of the virus to cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans and facilitates the egress of newly formed capsids from the host cell nucleus [3]. Because of its indispensable role in viral entry and spread, gB is a major target for the host's neutralizing antibody response and a primary focus for the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies [4]. Current therapeutic strategies targeting gB include monoclonal antibodies, such as HDIT101 and UB-621, and small-molecule fusion inhibitors designed to block the conformational changes required for membrane merging [5]. Successfully inhibiting gB can prevent the establishment of primary infection and reduce the frequency and severity of viral reactivations [6].

Other names

gBUL27Glycoprotein BgB1Envelope glycoprotein B

Inhibition of viral-cell membrane fusion by stabilizing the pre-fusion conformation of gB or blocking its interaction with host cell receptors such as PILR-alpha and heparan sulfate.