Viral glycoprotein mediating heparan sulfate proteoglycan-dependent entry

The term "viral glycoproteins mediating HSPG-dependent entry" refers to a heterogeneous group of **viral envelope glycoproteins** from diverse viruses (e.g., herpes simplex virus [HSV] gB/gC, enterovirus VP1, SARS-CoV-2 Spike) that specifically bind to **heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs)** on the host cell surface to facilitate initial attachment and entry into the cell. These glycoproteins exploit the negative charge and wide cellular expression of HSPGs to increase the likelihood of successful viral infection. Once attached via HSPGs, many viruses subsequently engage secondary, more specific receptors to complete entry and initiate membrane fusion or endocytosis. This binding mechanism is a critical first step for infection by several clinically important viruses and has been explored as a **broad-spectrum antiviral target**, though therapeutic exploitation has been challenging due to non-specificity of HSPG inhibitors and the capacity of viruses to adapt or use alternative entry pathways.

Other names

Viral envelope glycoprotein mediating HSPG-dependent entryHSPG-binding viral glycoproteinHSPG-dependent viral entry glycoprotein

Competitive inhibition of HSPG binding (e.g., by heparin, carrageenan, or mimetics); Blockade of glycoprotein-host cell interactions to prevent viral attachment and entry