Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein E (gE) (VZV gE)

Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein E (gE) is the most abundant and immunogenic surface protein of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), the causative agent of chickenpox and shingles. It plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis by mediating cell-to-cell spread and viral assembly, often forming a functional heterodimer with glycoprotein I (gI). Notably, the gE/gI complex functions as a viral Fc receptor, binding the Fc region of host IgG to facilitate immune evasion by preventing antibody-mediated clearance. As the primary target for neutralizing antibodies, gE is the central component of modern recombinant vaccines like Shingrix, which aim to elicit high titers of secreted anti-gE antibodies. The vaccine works by presenting the gE antigen to B-cell receptors (BCRs), triggering the expansion of gE-specific B cells and their differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells. These secreted antibodies neutralize the virus and inhibit its spread, while the vaccine also induces a robust T-cell response to maintain long-term immunity and prevent viral reactivation.

Other names

B-cell receptor / secreted anti-gE antibodiesGlycoprotein EgEORF68Varicella-Zoster Virus envelope glycoprotein E

Antigen-mediated activation of B-cell receptors to induce production of neutralizing antibodies and memory B cells; direct neutralization of viral particles by exogenous or induced antibodies.