Poliovirus type 2 capsid protein (PV2) (PV2)

Poliovirus type 2 (PV2) is a serotype of the Poliovirus, an enterovirus responsible for poliomyelitis, a disease characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis (CDC, 2023). The PV2 virion is a non-enveloped, icosahedral particle composed of a protein shell (capsid) that protects its single-stranded RNA genome (NCBI, 2020). This capsid is formed by four structural proteins—VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4—which are the primary antigenic targets for the host's immune system (UniProt, 2024). In vaccine development, these antigens are utilized in the form of inactivated virus (IPV), attenuated virus (OPV), or virus-like particles (VLPs) to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies (WHO, 2022). These antibodies specifically target the capsid surface to block the virus from interacting with the Poliovirus Receptor (CD155), effectively preventing infection (PubMed, 2021). While wild PV2 was declared eradicated in 2015, the antigens remain critical for monitoring and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) (Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 2023).

Other names

Poliovirus type 2 antigenPV2 virionPoliovirus type 2 virus-like particlePV2 VLPPoliovirus type 2 structural proteinsPoliovirus type 2 virion/virus-like particle antigens

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that target the viral capsid proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4), thereby preventing the virus from binding to the host cell receptor CD155 and inhibiting viral entry (PubMed, 2021).