Rotavirus A VP8* protein (VP8*)

The Rotavirus A VP8* protein is the distal, globular head of the VP4 spike protein located on the surface of the rotavirus virion (UniProt: P03502). It plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis by mediating the initial attachment of the virus to host cell receptors, specifically recognizing various glycans and histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in a genotype-dependent manner (Sun et al., 2016, Nature Communications). The P[4], P[6], and P[8] genotypes are the most prevalent globally, accounting for the majority of human rotavirus infections (CDC, 2023). Because VP8* is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies, it is a focal point for vaccine development, including next-generation subunit vaccines like the P2-VP8* candidate designed to provide broader protection against diverse P-genotypes (Pathak et al., 2022, Vaccines). Blocking the interaction between VP8* and its carbohydrate ligands effectively prevents the virus from entering intestinal epithelial cells, making it a high-priority therapeutic and prophylactic target.

Other names

VP4 N-terminal subunitVP8* domainRotavirus spike protein headVP8 star

The VP8* protein is targeted by neutralizing antibodies that block the virus from attaching to host cell glycans, such as histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), thereby preventing viral entry and subsequent infection.