Rabies virus virion antigens (RABV antigens)

Rabies virus virion antigens represent the structural components of the Rabies lyssavirus, including the glycoprotein (G), nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), and large polymerase (L) (UniProt: P03524). The G protein is the most critical therapeutic target as it is the only protein exposed on the viral surface, facilitating attachment to host cell receptors like the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) (PubMed: 29445236). These antigens are the active components in rabies vaccines, which stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies to provide active immunity (CDC: Rabies Prevention). Additionally, they are the targets for rabies immune globulins and monoclonal antibodies used in post-exposure prophylaxis to provide immediate passive immunity by neutralizing the virus at the site of infection (WHO: Rabies Vaccines). Effective targeting of these antigens is vital because the virus is nearly 100% fatal once it reaches the central nervous system and clinical symptoms begin (StatPearls: Rabies). Modern therapeutic strategies focus on high-affinity monoclonal antibodies that bind to specific antigenic sites on the G protein to prevent viral entry and spread. The nucleoprotein is also significant for diagnostic purposes and as a target for T-cell mediated immunity. Overall, these antigens are the cornerstone of rabies prevention and management strategies worldwide.

Other names

Rabies virus structural proteinsRABV structural proteinsRabies virus glycoproteinRabies virus nucleoprotein

Vaccines containing these antigens induce the production of neutralizing antibodies (active immunity), while rabies immune globulins provide immediate neutralizing antibodies (passive immunity) that bind to the virion surface, particularly the G protein, to prevent viral entry into host cells (WHO: Rabies Vaccines; CDC: Rabies Prevention).