Mpox virus A29L surface antigen (A29L)

Mpox virus A29L surface antigen is a structural envelope protein found on the intracellular mature virion (IMV) form of mpox virus (MPXV), functionally analogous to the vaccinia virus A27L protein[2]. The A29L protein mediates critical steps in the viral life cycle, including initial attachment to the host cell via binding to glycosaminoglycans—especially heparan sulfate—on the cell surface, fostering membrane fusion and viral entry[2]. The protein contains distinct domains, such as an N-terminal signal peptide, a heparin-binding site, an α-helical coiled-coil domain, and a C-terminal anchoring domain[1][2]. A29L is highly immunogenic, elicits strong humoral and cellular immune responses, and is the principal antigen detected in rapid diagnostic assays and in candidate recombinant protein vaccines, where it generates neutralizing antibodies and confers protection against MPXV challenge in animal models[1][3]. As a prominent surface antigen, A29L is a focus of monoclonal antibody and vaccine research targeting mpox infection[1][3].

Other names

Mpox virus A29 proteinMPXV A29LOrtholog of vaccinia virus A27L

Neutralizing antibody binding to block viral entry; Induction of protective immune response