Epstein–Barr virus envelope glycoprotein L (gL)

Epstein–Barr virus envelope glycoprotein L (gL) is a viral envelope protein that forms a heterodimeric complex with glycoprotein H (gH), which is essential for efficient membrane fusion and entry of EBV into host cells[2][4][6][7]. The gH/gL complex is a core component of the membrane fusion machinery, necessary for fusion of the viral envelope with B lymphocytes and epithelial cells, thus enabling EBV infection[2]. The complex also interacts with other viral proteins (e.g., gp42) to determine host cell tropism: in B cells, gH/gL forms a high-affinity complex with gp42 to mediate fusion via host HLA class II molecules, while in epithelial cells, gH/gL can interact directly with cell-surface integrins[4][2][5][6][7]. The structure of this complex enables it to perform multiple crucial steps in viral entry and fusion. No approved drugs currently directly target gL, but it is a candidate for antiviral and vaccine research given its essential role in infection[4][2][7].

Other names

glycoprotein LEBV gLEnvelope glycoprotein L

Inhibition of viral entry/fusion (potential for fusion/entry inhibitors targeting this complex)