Zika virus envelope protein and pre-membrane protein (ZIKV E and prM)

The Zika virus (ZIKV) envelope (E) and pre-membrane (prM) proteins are the primary structural components on the surface of the virus and serve as the main targets for the host immune system (UniProt P0ADC1). The E protein is responsible for receptor binding and membrane fusion during viral entry, while the prM protein acts as a chaperone to ensure the proper folding and assembly of the E protein into mature, infectious virions (PubMed: 29153230). In the gp96-based vaccine platform, these antigens are presented in complex with gp96 (HSP90B1), an endoplasmic reticulum-resident heat shock protein (Strbo et al., 2018). gp96 acts as a potent biological adjuvant by chaperoning the ZIKV antigens to dendritic cells through the CD91 receptor, thereby facilitating efficient cross-presentation and the induction of robust ZIKV-specific CD8+ T-cell and neutralizing antibody responses (Frontiers in Immunology, 2018). This approach is particularly aimed at preventing ZIKV-associated complications, such as congenital microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, by providing broad and durable immunity (NIH, 2023). Targeting these proteins is essential for blocking the viral life cycle and protecting vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and their fetuses (Nature, 2016).

Other names

Zika virus E proteinZika virus prM proteinZIKV EZIKV prMZika virus surface glycoproteinsZIKV prME

Induction of neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses via gp96-mediated antigen presentation to dendritic cells