Herpes simplex virus type 2 viral antigens (HSV-2 antigens)

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) viral antigens are a diverse group of proteins encoded by the HSV-2 genome that are essential for the viral life cycle and serve as the primary targets for host immune recognition and therapeutic intervention (NCBI: NBK470449). These antigens include surface glycoproteins such as gB, gC, gD, gH, and gL, which facilitate viral attachment and membrane fusion with host cells, as well as internal enzymes like DNA polymerase (UL30) and the helicase-primase complex required for genome replication (UniProt: 10314). HSV-2 is the leading cause of genital herpes globally and significantly increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV-1 (WHO: Herpes simplex virus). Current pharmacological treatments primarily involve nucleoside analogs like acyclovir that target the viral DNA polymerase to inhibit replication, while experimental vaccines aim to elicit protective immunity by targeting specific antigens like glycoprotein D (PubMed: 31431511). Despite effective acute management, these antigens present a therapeutic challenge because the virus establishes lifelong latency in the sensory ganglia, where antigen expression is largely suppressed and inaccessible to most drugs.

Other names

HSV-2 proteinsHuman herpesvirus 2 antigensHSV-2 immunogensHSV-2 surface glycoproteins

Inhibition of viral DNA polymerase (UL30) to terminate DNA chain synthesis; inhibition of the viral helicase-primase complex (UL5/UL8/UL52) to prevent DNA unwinding; and induction of neutralizing antibodies or cellular immune responses through vaccination to prevent viral entry and spread (NCBI: NBK470449, PubMed: 25108471).