Japanese encephalitis virus antigens (JEV antigens)

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) antigens, primarily the envelope (E) protein and the pre-membrane (prM) protein, serve as the fundamental targets for the host immune system during vaccination and natural infection (1). The E protein is the major surface glycoprotein of the virus, mediating critical steps such as host cell receptor binding and membrane fusion (2). By presenting these antigens to the immune system, vaccines induce the production of neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to the E protein, thereby blocking viral entry into neurons and preventing the development of encephalitis (3). This target represents a complex of viral proteins designed to stimulate a systemic immune response, involving both humoral (B-cell) and cellular (T-cell) components (4). Unlike traditional drug targets that involve specific host receptors, JEV antigens act as templates to train the immune system to recognize and eliminate the pathogen upon exposure (5). Effective targeting of these antigens through widespread immunization programs remains the most critical intervention for preventing JEV-related morbidity and mortality in endemic regions (1). (1) WHO: Japanese Encephalitis (2) PubMed: Structure and function of the Japanese encephalitis virus envelope protein (3) CDC: Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (4) FDA: IXIARO Prescribing Information (5) Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics: Japanese encephalitis: the virus and vaccines.

Other names

JEV E proteinJapanese encephalitis virus envelope proteinJEV prM proteinJapanese encephalitis virus polyproteinJEV vaccine antigens

Active immunization to induce neutralizing antibodies (primarily against the E protein) and cellular immune responses to prevent viral attachment and entry into host cells.