Hepatitis A virus polyprotein (HAV polyprotein)

The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) polyprotein is the precursor molecule synthesized from the viral RNA genome, which is subsequently cleaved into structural and non-structural proteins. The structural proteins, specifically VP1, VP2, and VP3, assemble to form the viral capsid, which serves as the primary antigenic target for the host immune system (StatPearls, 2023). These antigens are critical for viral attachment and entry into host hepatocytes. In the context of immunization, inactivated or attenuated versions of the virus present these antigens to the immune system to elicit the production of neutralizing antibodies, primarily targeting the VP1 protein (CDC, 2022). These antibodies prevent the virus from binding to its cellular receptor, thereby providing immunity against infection. Therapeutic interventions include vaccines that stimulate active immunity and immune globulins that provide passive protection by binding to these viral antigens (PubMed, 2021).

Other names

Hepatitis A virus antigensHAV capsid proteinsVP1VP2VP3VP4P1 region proteins

Vaccines present inactivated or attenuated viral antigens to the immune system to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies and memory B/T cells. Immune globulins provide immediate, passive immunity by binding directly to the viral antigens to prevent hepatocyte infection.