Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus capsid protein VP2 (VP2)

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) VP2 capsid protein, also known as P1B, is a vital structural component of the FMDV virion, a member of the Picornaviridae family. It forms the icosahedral capsid along with VP1, VP3, and VP4, with VP2 specifically contributing to the outer shell and the stability of the viral particle. VP2 is essential for the assembly of the virus, participating in the formation of pentameric subunits that encapsulate the viral RNA. In addition to its structural function, VP2 has been identified as a modulator of host cell processes, such as the induction of autophagy through the EIF2S1-ATF4 pathway to promote viral replication. Due to its exposure on the virion surface, VP2 is a primary target for neutralizing antibodies and is a critical component in the design of inactivated and recombinant vaccines. However, the high mutation rate of FMDV leads to significant antigenic variation in VP2, necessitating the development of serotype-specific vaccines and complicating global control efforts.

Other names

P1BVirion protein 2Capsid protein VP2

Vaccines containing or expressing the VP2 protein induce the production of neutralizing antibodies that bind to the viral capsid, thereby preventing host cell attachment, entry, and uncoating. Experimental therapeutic strategies also focus on blocking VP2-mediated autophagy or disrupting the assembly of the viral capsid to inhibit viral replication.