Herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein D (gD)

Herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein D (HSV-2 gD) is a structural protein located in the external envelope of HSV-2. It is essential for viral entry into host cells and for cell-to-cell spread of the virus. The presence and function of gD are critical determinants of HSV tropism, infectivity, and immune evasion. It mediates viral entry by binding to specific cellular receptors (Nectin-1, HVEM, Nectin-2, Heparan sulfate) on the host cell surface and triggers conformational changes in other viral glycoproteins, leading to membrane fusion. gD also inhibits TNF-alpha–induced NF-kappaB activation.

Neutralization of viral infectivity by antibodies targeting gD; Inhibition of NF-kappaB pathway