Puumala virus envelope glycoproteins Gn and Gc (Gn/Gc)

**Puumala virus envelope glycoproteins Gn and Gc** are essential viral surface proteins encoded by the medium (M) segment of hantavirus genomes, including Puumala virus, a significant cause of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Europe. Together, Gn and Gc form spike complexes on the viral envelope, crucial for virion assembly, surface architecture, and facilitating viral cell entry. Gn is positioned membrane-distal and is involved in viral attachment, displaying pronounced antigenic diversity due to immune selection. Gc is a class II fusion protein, mediating membrane fusion between the viral envelope and host endosomal membranes, triggered by low pH, which is essential for viral entry. High-resolution structural studies have revealed their oligomeric organization and conformational changes. Both Gn and Gc are focal points for antiviral strategies, with neutralizing antibodies targeting them by blocking binding, fusion, or conformational rearrangements. Despite their high sequence diversity and structural flexibility posing challenges for vaccine and antibody design, they represent important targets for antiviral antibody responses and potential vaccine development.

Other names

Glycoprotein NHantavirus GnPUUV GnGlycoprotein CHantavirus GcPUUV Gc

Antibody-mediated neutralization (prevention of virus binding/fusion by steric hindrance or conformational blockade); Inhibition of pH-dependent membrane fusion through antibody blockade or fusion inhibitor binding.