Vaccinia virus surface proteins

Vaccinia virus surface proteins are a heterogeneous collection of viral-encoded and, in some virion forms, host-cell-derived proteins exposed on the outer membranes of infectious vaccinia virus particles[2][4][5][1]. These proteins mediate key steps in the viral lifecycle, such as attachment to host cells (e.g., by binding glycosaminoglycans through A27, H3, D8)[6][1], membrane fusion (A27-A26 complex)[1][9], and immune evasion (e.g., complement resistance via envelope-incorporated host proteins and viral modulation of cell surface receptors)[2][4]. Some surface proteins, like A41, bind host chemokines and block their activity[3], while others, like K1, manipulate host range and viral tropism[7]. Collectively, these proteins are critical for infectivity, pathogenesis, and are key targets in vaccine development and oncolytic virotherapy strategies[2][4].

Drugs/antibodies typically block virus attachment, fusion, or modulate immune evasion