Epstein–Barr virus glycoprotein 42 (gp42)

Epstein–Barr virus glycoprotein 42 is an essential envelope protein required for the virus to infect B cells. It is a type II membrane protein with a flexible N-terminal domain that binds the viral gH/gL complex, and a C-terminal lectin-like domain responsible for binding the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II receptor on B cells. Upon receptor engagement, gp42 coordinates with other EBV glycoproteins (gH/gL and gB) to trigger membrane fusion and viral entry. The structure and function of gp42 are key determinants of EBV’s cell tropism: its presence is necessary for B cell entry but inhibits epithelial cell entry. Targeting gp42 is considered a therapeutic strategy to prevent EBV infection of B cells by blocking this fusion mechanism[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

EBV gp42glycoprotein 42

Targeting gp42 aims to inhibit EBV entry into B lymphocytes by blocking its interaction with HLA class II and/or viral fusion process