Vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G)

Vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) is the surface envelope glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a rhabdovirus. VSV-G is a class III viral fusion protein responsible for mediating both receptor recognition (binding to cell surface molecules) and low pH-triggered membrane fusion, thereby enabling the virus to enter host cells. The protein functions as a trimer on the viral envelope and undergoes reversible, pH-dependent conformational changes during membrane fusion. VSV-G is notable in biotechnology, where it is widely used to pseudotype lentiviral and other viral vectors to broaden tropism and improve stability of gene delivery systems. It is not a human target nor a conventional drug target, but is highly relevant as a tool and sometimes as a safety concern in gene therapy and vaccine development.

Other names

VSV G proteinVSV-GVesicular stomatitis virus G proteinVSV envelope glycoprotein

For VSV-G pseudotyped vectors: mediates entry of recombinant vectors into target cells by binding broadly to cell surface phosphatidylserine and other receptors, then triggers membrane fusion upon acidification in endosomes. For potential antivirals: would block receptor binding or membrane fusion.