Monkeypox virus A29L protein (A29L)

The Monkeypox virus A29L protein is a crucial structural protein found on the surface of the mature virion (MV) of the Mpox virus (MPXV). As a homolog of the Vaccinia virus A27L protein, it functions primarily as a heparin-binding protein that facilitates the attachment of the virus to host cell surface glycosaminoglycans, a vital step for viral entry and infection (UniProt: Q8V4Y0, PubMed: 36111310). Due to its essential role in the viral life cycle and its exposure on the virion surface, A29L is a major target for neutralizing antibodies and is frequently included in multi-antigen vaccine formulations (PubMed: 35921474). Therapeutic strategies targeting A29L aim to block the initial docking of the virus to the host cell, thereby neutralizing its infectivity. Furthermore, A29L is used as a diagnostic biomarker to detect previous exposure or vaccination, as it elicits a robust immune response in humans (CDC, PubMed: 36253314).

Other names

A29 proteinHeparin-binding proteinMPXVgp115A27L homolog

The A29L protein facilitates viral attachment to host cells by binding to cell surface heparin sulfate proteoglycans. Neutralizing antibodies or vaccine-induced immunity target this protein to sterically hinder this interaction, thereby preventing the entry of the mature virion (MV) into the host cell (PubMed: 36111310, UniProt: Q8V4Y0).