Rotavirus VP7 G3 glycoprotein (VP7 G3) (VP7 G3)

Rotavirus VP7 G3 glycoprotein is a major structural component of the outer shell of the rotavirus virion, a double-stranded RNA virus that is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide (NCBI, PMC7150172). As a calcium-binding protein, VP7 plays a critical role in the assembly and stability of the viral outer capsid and is essential for the process of viral entry into host intestinal cells (UniProt, P04502). It defines the G-serotype of the virus, with G3 being one of the most common genotypes circulating globally (WHO, Rotavirus). Because it is a primary target for neutralizing antibodies, VP7 G3 is a key component in several live-attenuated vaccines, such as the pentavalent RotaTeq vaccine (FDA, RotaTeq). These vaccines work by eliciting a protective immune response that prevents subsequent infection or reduces the severity of the disease (PubMed, 16394300). Beyond vaccination, VP7 is a focus for the development of passive immunization strategies and diagnostic assays (PubMed, 28833258). Understanding the structural variations of VP7 G3 is vital for monitoring vaccine efficacy against emerging viral strains (CDC, Rotavirus Surveillance).

Other names

Outer capsid glycoprotein VP7G3 serotype proteinMajor neutralization antigen VP7VP7 glycoproteinG3P[X] VP7

Induction of neutralizing antibodies (primarily IgA) that bind to the VP7 G3 glycoprotein, preventing viral attachment and entry into host intestinal cells, thereby neutralizing the virus and providing protective immunity (PubMed, 16394300; FDA, RotaTeq).