Orthopoxvirus myristoylated protein L1 (L1R) (L1R)

The Orthopoxvirus L1R protein, also known as myristoylated protein L1, is a highly conserved and essential component of the mature virion (MV) envelope across the Orthopoxvirus genus, including Variola, Vaccinia, and Monkeypox viruses (UniProt P04302; PMID: 16103199). It is a 27-kDa protein that undergoes post-translational myristoylation, which is critical for its localization and function within the viral membrane (PMID: 11832464). Biologically, L1R is a key member of the Entry Fusion Complex (EFC), a group of proteins responsible for mediating the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell plasma membrane or endosomal membrane (PMID: 18504327). Because it is exposed on the surface of the infectious mature virion and is indispensable for viral entry, L1R serves as a primary target for the host's neutralizing antibody response (PMID: 15956588). Therapeutic strategies targeting L1R include the use of Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) and the development of monoclonal antibodies like 7D11, which block viral infection by preventing membrane fusion (PMID: 17440155). Additionally, L1R is a central component in the design of subunit and DNA vaccines aimed at providing broad protection against various orthopoxvirus-related diseases (PMID: 11038276). Its high degree of sequence conservation makes it an attractive target for developing countermeasures that remain effective against emerging poxvirus threats (PMID: 36121558).

Other names

Protein L1L1R proteinVaccinia virus L1RMonkeypox virus L1RMyristoylated protein L1L1R

Neutralization of viral entry and membrane fusion by binding to the L1 protein on the mature virion surface, thereby preventing the virus from infecting host cells.