Epstein-Barr virus glycoprotein gp350 (gp350)

Epstein-Barr virus glycoprotein gp350 is the most abundant protein on the surface of the EBV virion and is the primary mediator of viral attachment to host B cells. It functions by binding specifically to the complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) on the surface of B lymphocytes, initiating the infection process (PMID: 15308718). Due to its high expression and critical role in viral entry, gp350 has been the primary target for prophylactic vaccine development, including recombinant protein and mRNA-based platforms currently in clinical trials (PMID: 35149393). While gp350 is essential for B-cell infection, EBV utilizes a different mechanism for entry into epithelial cells, meaning that gp350-targeted therapies are often combined with other viral glycoproteins like gH/gL/gp42 to achieve broader protection. In addition to vaccines, gp350 is a target for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies intended to prevent or treat EBV-associated complications such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) (PMID: 29555776).

Other names

Envelope glycoprotein GP350gp350/220BLLF1Major surface glycoproteinEpstein-Barr virus membrane antigen

Neutralization of viral entry by blocking the interaction between gp350 and the B-cell receptor CD21 (CR2).