Herpes simplex virus type 1 viral attachment and entry machinery (HSV-1 entry machinery)

The Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) viral attachment and entry machinery is a multi-protein complex on the viral envelope that mediates the initial stages of infection. This machinery is composed of several key glycoproteins, including gC and gB for initial attachment to host cell surface heparan sulfate, gD for binding to specific entry receptors like nectin-1 or herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), and the gH/gL heterodimer which, together with gB, facilitates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane (Source: UniProt P06437, P06476, P06477). This coordinated process is essential for the delivery of the viral capsid into the host cytoplasm (Source: PubMed PMID: 23408472). As a critical step in the viral life cycle, this machinery is a primary target for antiviral therapies. For instance, docosanol is a topical agent that inhibits the fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell plasma membrane, thereby preventing viral entry and limiting the spread of the virus (Source: NIH StatPearls). Other experimental approaches include monoclonal antibodies like HDIT101 that target specific glycoproteins to neutralize the virus (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov). Understanding the structural biology of these proteins is vital for developing vaccines and more effective treatments for HSV-1 related conditions such as cold sores, keratitis, and encephalitis (Source: PubMed PMID: 30108118).

Other names

HSV-1 glycoproteinsgB/gD/gH/gL complexHSV-1 fusion machineryHerpes simplex virus 1 entry proteins

Inhibition of viral envelope fusion with the host cell membrane and blocking of receptor-mediated attachment.