Viral envelope and surface proteins of enveloped viruses (VESP)

Viral envelope and surface proteins are critical components of enveloped viruses, such as HIV, Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, serving as the primary interface between the virus and the host cell. These proteins, often glycosylated, are responsible for recognizing specific host cell receptors and mediating the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane to release the viral genome. Because they are exposed on the exterior of the virion, they are the primary targets for the host immune response and are central to vaccine development. In pharmacology, these proteins are targeted by various classes of entry inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies designed to block viral attachment or fusion. However, the high mutation rate of many enveloped viruses often leads to structural changes in these surface proteins, presenting a significant challenge for long-term therapeutic efficacy and necessitating the development of broad-spectrum or highly conserved epitope-targeting agents.

Other names

Viral envelope proteinsViral surface glycoproteinsViral attachment proteinsViral fusion proteinsSpike proteinsEnvelope glycoproteins

Drugs targeting these proteins typically act as fusion inhibitors, attachment inhibitors, or neutralizing antibodies that prevent the virus from binding to or entering host cells.