Neutralizing antibody against Puumala virus glycoprotein

Neutralizing antibodies against Puumala virus glycoproteins are specific immunoglobulins that recognize and bind to the surface envelope glycoproteins Gn and Gc of the Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV), a member of the Hantavirus genus implicated in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. These viral glycoproteins, Gn and Gc, form tetrameric spikes on the virion's envelope and are essential for virus binding, entry, and fusion with host cells. The Gc glycoprotein adopts a class II membrane fusion protein fold, mediating pH-dependent fusion of the viral and endosomal membranes, while Gn is prominent in forming antigenic surfaces and is more variable due to immune pressure[3][5][7][10]. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies (for example, mAb P-4G2) can block infection by targeting critical conformational epitopes of Gc (and sometimes Gn), preventing the structural changes required for membrane fusion and cell entry[8][9][10]. Research antibody therapies thus leverage these mechanisms to provide broad and potent protection in preclinical models, and these epitopes are central for vaccine design and potential therapeutic antibody development. There are no approved drugs directly targeting PUUV glycoproteins, but neutralizing antibodies are considered high-value therapeutic targets for viral infection[8][9][10]. Note: This "target" is not a classical molecular target like a receptor or enzyme, but represents a crucial therapeutic epitope/antigen for antibody recognition and antiviral intervention. The effectiveness, safety, and utility of neutralizing antibodies depend on viral antigen variability and the specific immune response generated.

Other names

Neutralizing antibody to Puumala virus Gn/GcPUUV-neutralizing antibodyPuumala virus envelope glycoprotein antibody

Binds conformational or quaternary epitopes on Gn or Gc glycoproteins to block viral attachment, membrane fusion, and cell entry; may prevent conformational changes necessary for class II fusion protein function