Envelope glycoprotein H (Herpes simplex virus 2) (gH)

Envelope glycoprotein H (gH) of Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a critical component of the viral entry machinery, forming a non-covalent heterodimer with glycoprotein L (gL). This gH/gL complex is essential for the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell plasma membrane or endosomal membrane, a process typically triggered by the binding of glycoprotein D (gD) to its receptors (UniProt P06477). In the context of HSV-2 infection, gH is a primary target for the host immune response and a focal point for the development of novel therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies and subunit or mRNA-based vaccines. By blocking the function of gH, these interventions aim to prevent the initial infection of epithelial cells and the subsequent establishment of latency in sensory neurons (PMID: 31434735). Given its conserved role across the Herpesviridae family, gH represents a high-priority target for reducing the global burden of genital herpes and preventing neonatal transmission (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05478252).

Other names

gHUL22Glycoprotein HHSV-2 gHEnvelope glycoprotein H

Neutralizing antibodies or vaccine-induced immune responses targeting glycoprotein H inhibit the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, thereby preventing viral entry and subsequent infection (PMID: 25122791, 31434735).