Poliovirus D-antigen

The Poliovirus D-antigen refers to the specific native, conformational antigenic form of the poliovirus capsid present in all three serotypes of poliovirus (types 1, 2, and 3). This structure is associated with the mature, infectious virus and is distinguished from the C-antigen, a non-native, altered form, which does not elicit enduring immune protection. The D-antigen consists of multiple conformational epitopes on the capsid surface, with at least four distinct antigenic sites, and is the form responsible for inducing protective, virus-neutralizing antibodies following immunization[2][3][4][5]. The content of D-antigen in poliovirus vaccines is critical for vaccine effectiveness, and its quantification is a standard measure for vaccine potency. Loss or denaturation of the D-antigen, such as through heat or improper vaccine processing, results in reduced immunogenicity. The D-antigen is not a molecular target for drugs (e.g., it is not a receptor or enzyme); instead, it is a structural configuration of the viral particle essential for effective vaccination and immune protection[2][3][4][5].

Other names

Poliovirus D antigenPV D-antigen