Rabies virus proteins (N, P, M, G, L (refer to individual proteins; "rabies virus proteins" is not a standard abbreviation))

Rabies virus proteins are a set of five distinct proteins constituting the structural, enzymatic, and immunogenic components of the rabies virus (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae): nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and polymerase (L). The nucleoprotein encapsidates genomic RNA and is crucial for nucleocapsid formation. The phosphoprotein acts as a cofactor for polymerase and chaperones nucleoprotein. The matrix protein facilitates virus budding and structural stability. The glycoprotein, present as trimeric spikes on the viral envelope, mediates host cell attachment and membrane fusion and is the principal target for neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. The polymerase is responsible for viral RNA synthesis and transcription. While the collective term “rabies virus proteins” is not itself a canonical therapeutic target, individual proteins, notably the glycoprotein, are critical targets for antirabies therapies and prophylaxis.

Other names

Rabies viral proteinsRABV proteinsLyssavirus proteins

Neutralizing antibodies block virus entry by binding glycoprotein G; Vaccine-induced immunity stimulates antibody response to glycoprotein G; Experimental small molecules may inhibit viral polymerase activity (L)