Rabies virus glycoprotein (G) (RABV-G)

Rabies virus antigens, most notably the Rabies virus glycoprotein (G), are the essential structural proteins of the Rabies lyssavirus (RABV) that facilitate viral infection. The G protein is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates viral attachment to host cell receptors, such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and triggers membrane fusion to release the viral genome into the cytoplasm (UniProt: P03524). As the only protein exposed on the viral surface, it is the primary target for the host's neutralizing antibody response and the focus of all current rabies vaccines and immunotherapies (PubMed: PMC7150154). In clinical practice, these antigens are used in inactivated vaccines to stimulate active immunity, while exogenous antibodies (immunoglobulins or monoclonal antibodies) are administered to provide immediate passive protection following exposure (CDC: Rabies). Successful neutralization of these antigens before the virus reaches the central nervous system is the only effective way to prevent the fatal encephalomyelitis characteristic of rabies (StatPearls: Rabies).

Other names

Rabies virus antigensRabies virus G proteinRABV glycoproteinRabies virus surface protein

Neutralization of viral particles to prevent host cell entry and induction of host-mediated active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies.