Hantaan virus glycoprotein Gc (Gc)

Hantaan virus (HTNV) glycoprotein Gc is a critical component of the viral envelope, functioning as a class II membrane fusion protein. It is encoded by the M (medium) segment of the HTNV genome as part of a polyprotein precursor that is post-translationally cleaved into two subunits: Gn and Gc. While Gn is primarily involved in host cell receptor recognition (often interacting with beta-3 integrins), Gc undergoes a dramatic pH-triggered conformational change within the host endosome to facilitate the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. This fusion step is essential for the delivery of the viral ribonucleoprotein complex into the host cytoplasm to initiate replication. As the primary mediator of viral entry, Gc is a major target for the host immune system and a focal point for therapeutic intervention. It is the primary antigen for neutralizing antibodies, which can inhibit infection by binding to the fusion loop or preventing the structural transitions necessary for membrane merging. In the context of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), Gc serves as a key component in vaccine candidates, such as the inactivated virus vaccine Hantavax, and is the target for emerging monoclonal antibody therapies designed to provide passive immunity. Research into Gc structural biology is vital for developing pan-hantavirus countermeasures that can address the significant morbidity associated with orthohantavirus outbreaks.

Other names

HTNV GcHantaan virus envelope glycoprotein GcEnvelope glycoprotein G2Hantaan orthohantavirus Gc

Neutralizing antibodies target the Gc protein to block the pH-dependent conformational changes required for fusion between the viral envelope and the host endosomal membrane, thereby preventing viral genome release into the cytoplasm.