Herpes simplex virus surface and virion antigens (HSV surface antigens)

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) surface and virion antigens are a complex group of glycoproteins, including gB, gC, gD, gH, and gL, that are essential for the virus's ability to infect host cells (Madavarapu et al., 2023). These proteins are embedded in the viral envelope and mediate the critical steps of attachment to host receptors like HVEM and nectin-1, followed by the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes (Agelidis & Shukla, 2020). Because they are the most prominent structures on the exterior of the virion, they serve as the primary targets for the host's neutralizing antibody response and are the focus of most vaccine and immunotherapy efforts (Gopinath et al., 2020). Therapeutic agents such as docosanol act by inhibiting the fusion process, while monoclonal antibodies like UB-621 specifically target glycoproteins to prevent viral entry (Chiu et al., 2014). Despite their importance as targets, the high degree of viral persistence and the complexity of the entry mechanism present significant hurdles for developing highly effective long-term treatments or preventative vaccines (Belshe et al., 2012).

Other names

HSV glycoproteinsHSV envelope proteinsHerpes simplex virus virion proteinsHSV-1 and HSV-2 surface antigens

Inhibition of viral-host cell membrane fusion, blocking of receptor-mediated entry, and induction of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) or neutralization (StatPearls, 2023; PubMed PMID: 32164242).