Human adenovirus type 4 hexon protein (HAdV-4 hexon)

The Human adenovirus type 4 (HAdV-4) hexon protein is the primary structural component of the adenovirus capsid, organized as a homotrimer that forms the twenty facets of the icosahedral virion [1]. HAdV-4 is the sole member of the Species E mastadenoviruses and is a leading cause of acute respiratory disease (ARD), especially in high-density environments like military barracks [2]. The hexon protein is the dominant surface antigen of the virus, containing hypervariable regions (HVRs) that are the main targets for the host's neutralizing antibody response [3]. While most antiviral drugs target the viral DNA polymerase, the hexon protein is the functional target for prophylactic immunization strategies, such as the FDA-approved live oral adenovirus vaccine [4]. This vaccine facilitates the production of antibodies that block the virus's ability to infect host cells by targeting the hexon's exposed epitopes. Understanding the structure and variability of the HAdV-4 hexon is critical for both diagnostic assay development and the design of broad-spectrum adenovirus therapeutics [5]. Sources: [1] UniProt (NCBI Protein ID: YP_068025.1). [2] Radke, J. R., & Cook, J. L. (2021). Human Adenoviruses. StatPearls. [3] Russell, W. C. (2000). Adenoviruses: update on structure and function. Journal of General Virology. [4] FDA (2011). Package Insert - Adenovirus Type 4 and Type 7 Vaccine, Live, Oral. [5] Lynch, J. P., et al. (2011). Adenovirus: Epidemiology, Global Spread of Novel Serotypes, and Advances in Treatment and Prevention. Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Other names

Capsid protein IIL3 hexon proteinHAdV-E hexon proteinAdenovirus type 4 major capsid protein

Induction of mucosal and systemic immunity resulting in neutralizing antibodies that bind to the hexon protein to prevent viral entry and infection.