Puumala virus Gn glycoprotein (Gn)

The Puumala virus Gn glycoprotein is a critical surface-exposed protein of the Puumala orthohantavirus, which is the primary causative agent of Nephropathia epidemica, a form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) (Vaheri et al., 2013, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Gn forms a heterodimeric spike complex with the Gc glycoprotein on the viral envelope, which is essential for recognizing and binding to host cell receptors, such as beta-3 integrins (Gavrilovskaya et al., 1998, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). This interaction facilitates the endocytosis of the virus into the host cell, initiating the infection process. As a major surface antigen, Gn is the primary target for the host's neutralizing antibody response and is a focal point for the development of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (Hepojoki et al., 2010, Journal of General Virology). Targeting Gn aims to block the initial stages of the viral life cycle, preventing the systemic infection that leads to renal dysfunction and hemorrhagic symptoms. Current research focuses on identifying conserved epitopes within Gn to develop broad-spectrum hantavirus therapeutics and to mitigate the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (Tischler et al., 2005, Virology).

Other names

G1 glycoproteinEnvelope glycoprotein GnPUUV GnPuumala orthohantavirus Gn protein

Neutralization of viral entry by binding to the Gn glycoprotein, thereby sterically hindering receptor interaction with host beta-3 integrins or preventing necessary conformational changes for membrane fusion (Kraus et al., 2005, Journal of Virology).