Herpes simplex virus type 2 major capsid protein VP5 (VP5)

The Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) major capsid protein VP5, encoded by the UL19 gene, is the essential structural subunit of the viral capsid. It organizes into 150 hexons and 11 pentons to form the icosahedral shell that encapsulates and protects the viral double-stranded DNA genome (UniProt P10205). VP5 is critical for virion morphogenesis, participating in the transition from procapsid to mature capsid and facilitating the packaging of viral DNA (PubMed: 11160719). Due to its indispensable role in the viral life cycle and high conservation, it is a primary target for therapeutic vaccine development, most notably in the GEN-003 subunit vaccine which combined a truncated VP5 with the ICP4 protein to elicit T-cell and antibody responses (PubMed: 29114754). While most current HSV-2 therapies target the viral DNA polymerase, VP5 represents an alternative target for small-molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt capsid assembly or nuclear egress. Therapeutic strategies focusing on VP5 aim to reduce viral shedding and the frequency of symptomatic recurrences in patients with genital herpes.

Other names

UL19Major capsid proteinMCPProtein UL19

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell and B-cell immune responses; inhibition of viral capsid shell formation