Rotavirus outer capsid glycoprotein VP7 (G2 serotype) (VP7 (G2))

Rotavirus outer capsid glycoprotein VP7 (G2 serotype) is a major structural protein that forms the smooth outer surface of the rotavirus virion (UniProt: P04502). It is a 37-kDa calcium-binding glycoprotein that is essential for the attachment and penetration of the virus into host enterocytes in the small intestine (PubMed: 12692230). The G2 serotype is one of the most prevalent strains globally and is a primary target for the human immune response, specifically for the production of neutralizing antibodies (CDC: Rotavirus Surveillance). In clinical practice, this antigen is a critical component of multivalent vaccines like RotaTeq, which includes a human-bovine reassortant expressing the G2 protein (FDA: RotaTeq Label). It is also used as a diagnostic marker to identify specific rotavirus strains during outbreaks and to monitor the effectiveness of immunization programs. The protein's stability is dependent on calcium ions, and its loss leads to the disassembly of the outer capsid, which is a key step in the viral life cycle (Journal of Virology: 10.1128/JVI.75.23.11582-11590.2001). Therapeutic strategies focusing on this antigen primarily involve preventative vaccination and the development of monoclonal antibodies for passive immunization.

Other names

VP7G2 serotype antigenOuter capsid protein VP7Glycoprotein VP7Rotavirus G2 VP7

Vaccines targeting this antigen induce the production of G2-specific neutralizing antibodies (IgA and IgG) that bind to the VP7 protein, thereby preventing viral attachment to host cell receptors and inhibiting subsequent viral entry into enterocytes (PubMed: 16452554).