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

Varicella-Zoster Virus glycoprotein E (VZV gE) is the most abundant and essential glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the VZV virion and infected cells (UniProt: P09333). It plays a pivotal role in viral pathogenesis by facilitating cell-to-cell spread and viral assembly, and it also functions as a low-affinity Fc receptor for IgG to aid in immune evasion (PubMed: 11836371). Due to its high immunogenicity and consistent expression across VZV strains, gE is the primary target for both natural and vaccine-induced immunity (PubMed: 29444417). It serves as the central antigen in recombinant subunit vaccines, such as Shingrix, which are designed to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) by boosting gE-specific T-cell and antibody responses (FDA: Shingrix Prescribing Information). Targeting gE effectively limits the virus's ability to replicate and spread within the host, thereby reducing the risk of reactivation and associated complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PubMed: 30635431).

Other names

Envelope glycoprotein EORF68 proteingpIVZV gE

Vaccine antigen that induces high titers of neutralizing antibodies and a robust CD4+ T-cell response to prevent viral entry and reactivation (PubMed: 29444417).