Rabies virus glycoprotein (G) (RABV-G)

The Rabies virus glycoprotein (G) is the sole surface protein of the rabies virus (RABV) and serves as the primary mediator of viral entry into host cells by binding to receptors such as the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) (NCBI: PMC7120330). In the context of the CTN-1 strain—a human-derived isolate widely used in China for vaccine production—the G protein is presented within a whole inactivated virion to maintain its native trimeric conformation, which is essential for inducing a robust immune response (PubMed: 22433390). This protein is the exclusive target for virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNAs), which are the primary correlates of protection against the disease (WHO Technical Report Series). Vaccines utilizing the inactivated CTN-1 virion, such as certain Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccines (PVRV), stimulate the host's immune system to produce these antibodies, effectively preventing the virus from reaching the central nervous system (PubMed: 25445355). Additionally, the G protein is the target for rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) used in post-exposure prophylaxis to provide immediate passive immunity (CDC: Rabies Prevention). The CTN-1 strain is particularly valued for its broad cross-neutralization capabilities against various street strains of the rabies virus found in Asia (PubMed: 22433390). Therapeutic interventions targeting this glycoprotein are critical because rabies remains nearly 100% fatal once clinical symptoms manifest.

Other names

Rabies virus G proteinRABV-GSpike glycoproteinCTN-1 strain antigenRabies virus surface glycoprotein

The glycoprotein acts as the primary antigen for inducing active immunity; vaccines present the inactivated G protein to B cells to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment to host receptors (PubMed: 22433390). In passive immunization, rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) or monoclonal antibodies bind directly to the G protein's antigenic sites, neutralizing the virus before it can infect nerve cells (NCBI: PMC5471820).