Rotavirus viral protein 7 (VP7)

Rotavirus viral protein 7 (VP7) is a major structural glycoprotein that constitutes the smooth outer layer of the rotavirus capsid. It is a calcium-binding protein essential for the integrity of the virion and plays a critical role in the initial stages of infection by facilitating viral attachment and entry into host enterocytes (PMID: 15308728, UniProt P04509). VP7 is one of the two primary antigens used to classify rotavirus strains into 'G' (glycoprotein) serotypes and is the dominant target for neutralizing antibodies (PMID: 25193816). Because of its high immunogenicity, VP7 is a central component of several live-attenuated and recombinant vaccines, such as Rotarix and RotaTeq, which aim to prevent severe childhood gastroenteritis. Current therapeutic and prophylactic strategies focus on eliciting a robust antibody response against VP7 to neutralize the virus and provide long-term protection against diverse rotavirus genotypes (PubMed: 30127244).

Other names

Outer capsid glycoprotein VP7G proteinGlycoprotein VP7Rotavirus G-antigen

Induction of neutralizing antibodies (humoral immunity) that bind to VP7 and block viral entry into host cells.