Herpes simplex virus type 1 envelope (HSV-1 envelope)

The Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) envelope is a complex lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane during viral egress, containing at least 12 distinct glycoproteins such as gB, gC, gD, gH, and gL [6, 12, 13]. These surface proteins are essential for the initial stages of the viral life cycle, facilitating attachment to host receptors like nectin-1 or HVEM and triggering the membrane fusion required for capsid entry into the host cytoplasm [15, 17, 20]. Therapeutically, the envelope is a critical target for entry inhibitors; for instance, docosanol is an FDA-approved topical agent that acts by preventing the fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell plasma membrane [1, 4, 7]. Advanced therapeutic approaches also target specific glycoproteins within the envelope, such as the monoclonal antibody UB-621 which binds to gD to block viral entry and spread [2, 9, 11]. These envelope-targeted strategies are increasingly relevant for managing infections caused by acyclovir-resistant strains and for the development of novel vaccines and gene therapy vectors [6, 10, 14].

Other names

HSV-1 viral envelopeHerpes simplex virus type 1 envelope glycoproteinsHuman herpesvirus 1 envelopeHHV-1 envelope

Inhibition of the fusion process between the viral lipid envelope and the host cell plasma membrane, and blockade of viral attachment to host cell receptors such as HVEM or nectin-1 [1, 4, 10].