Feline herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein (FHV-1 glycoprotein)

Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) glycoproteins are a family of envelope-anchored proteins that are essential for the virus's ability to infect and spread within feline hosts. The most critical members include glycoprotein B (gB), which functions as a primary fusogen for membrane fusion, and glycoprotein D (gD), which mediates high-affinity binding to host cell receptors and is the major target for neutralizing antibodies. Other glycoproteins, such as gC, facilitate initial attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the cell surface, while the gE-gI complex is involved in cell-to-cell transmission and immune evasion. These proteins are the primary antigenic components of commercial feline vaccines, which aim to elicit a protective immune response to mitigate the symptoms of feline viral rhinotracheitis, a severe respiratory and ocular disease. Beyond vaccines, FHV-1 glycoproteins are targets for novel therapeutic interventions, including monoclonal antibodies and RNA interference strategies designed to block viral entry and replication. While current antiviral drugs for FHV-1 typically target DNA synthesis, the glycoproteins remain the cornerstone of preventative veterinary medicine and a focal point for developing next-generation feline antivirals.

Other names

Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 glycoproteinFeHV-1 glycoproteinFeline viral rhinotracheitis virus glycoproteinEnvelope glycoprotein B (gB)Envelope glycoprotein D (gD)Envelope glycoprotein C (gC)Envelope glycoprotein H (gH)Envelope glycoprotein L (gL)

Vaccines containing these glycoproteins induce neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment and entry into host cells. Experimental RNA interference (siRNA) therapies target the mRNA of specific glycoproteins (e.g., gD) to inhibit their expression, thereby preventing the assembly of infectious virions and reducing viral spread.