Rubella virus envelope glycoproteins (E1/E2)

The Rubella virus envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, are the primary surface components of the Rubella virus (RV), which belongs to the Matonaviridae family. E1 is a class II viral fusion protein that mediates the fusion between the viral envelope and the host cell's endosomal membrane, a process triggered by low pH (UniProt: P03310; PubMed: 16439535). E2 is a type I transmembrane protein that acts as a chaperone, ensuring the correct folding and transport of E1 to the cell surface during viral assembly (PubMed: 11831707). Together, these proteins form heterodimeric spikes that facilitate attachment to host receptors, such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) (PubMed: 25100844). These glycoproteins are the critical targets for neutralizing antibodies and are the active components of the live-attenuated RA 27/3 vaccine strain used in MMR vaccines (CDC: Rubella Vaccination). Targeting these proteins is essential for preventing Rubella infection and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which causes severe developmental defects if the virus infects a fetus during the first trimester (PubMed: 23526010).

Other names

Rubella virus E1 and E2 glycoproteinsRV E1/E2Rubella spike proteinsRubella virus polyprotein (cleaved)

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment and pH-dependent membrane fusion mediated by E1 and E2.