Rabies virus antigens (RABV antigens)

Rabies virus antigens, specifically the surface glycoprotein (G) and the internal nucleoprotein (N), are the primary molecular components used as immunogens in the prevention and treatment of rabies (WHO, 2023). The glycoprotein is the most critical antigen as it mediates viral attachment to host cell receptors, such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), and is the sole target for neutralizing antibodies (UniProt P03524). In therapeutic contexts, these antigens are utilized in inactivated or recombinant vaccines to stimulate a host immune response, providing active immunity (CDC, 2022). Additionally, they are the targets for rabies immunoglobulins (RIG), which provide immediate passive immunity by neutralizing the virus at the site of entry (StatPearls, 2023). Given that rabies is a nearly 100% fatal zoonotic disease once clinical symptoms manifest, the effective targeting of these antigens through pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis is a cornerstone of public health management.

Other names

Rabies virus glycoproteinRabies virus nucleoproteinRABV G proteinRABV N proteinRabies virus structural proteins

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies (vaccines) or provision of passive immunity via direct viral neutralization (immunoglobulins).