Parvovirus B19 capsid protein VP1 (VP1)

Parvovirus B19 capsid protein VP1 is a structural component of the B19 virus, which primarily infects erythroid progenitor cells (UniProt P03134). While VP2 is the major capsid protein, VP1 contains an N-terminal extension known as the VP1 unique region (VP1u) that is critical for viral infectivity (Zadori et al., 2001, PubMed 11752724). This VP1u region possesses secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-like enzymatic activity, which is essential for the virus to escape from the endosome into the cytosol during the entry process (Dorsch et al., 2002, PubMed 11832546). Because VP1u is highly conserved and exposed on the capsid surface during entry, it is a primary target for neutralizing antibodies and vaccine development (Heegaard and Brown, 2002, PubMed 11832546). Clinically, Parvovirus B19 is associated with erythema infectiosum in children, arthropathy in adults, and more severe conditions like transient aplastic crisis or hydrops fetalis in vulnerable populations (NIH, StatPearls). Therapeutic strategies often involve the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to provide passive immunity against VP1, and research continues into small molecule inhibitors of its PLA2 activity.

Other names

VP1 unique regionVP1uMinor capsid protein VP1Capsid protein VP1

Neutralization of viral entry and inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity