Heartland virus antigen (HRTV antigen)

Heartland virus (HRTV) is an emerging tick-borne phlebovirus in the genus Bandavirus, first identified in 2009 in the United States (CDC, 2022). The Heartland virus antigen refers to the structural and non-structural proteins of the virus, most notably the nucleoprotein (N), which is the most abundant viral protein and serves as the primary target for diagnostic assays and immune recognition (UniProt, 2023). Other significant antigenic components include the Gn and Gc glycoproteins, which are responsible for viral attachment and entry into host cells, and the non-structural protein (NSs), which facilitates infection by inhibiting the host's innate interferon response (PubMed, 2015). While there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or specific antiviral drugs for Heartland virus disease, these antigens are the focus of ongoing research into therapeutic interventions. Experimental studies have demonstrated that the broad-spectrum antiviral favipiravir can inhibit HRTV replication by targeting the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (Tani et al., 2016). Heartland virus disease typically presents with fever, fatigue, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, and can be fatal, particularly in older individuals with underlying health conditions (CDC, 2022).

Other names

Heartland bandavirus antigenHRTV proteinsHeartland virus nucleoproteinHeartland virus glycoproteinsHeartland virus non-structural protein

Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase