Recombinant HSV2 gD protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The HSV2 gD protein also known as glycoprotein D is a viral protein critical to the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection process. It weighs approximately 38 kDa and is expressed on the surface of the viral envelope. Glycoprotein D plays an essential role in virus entry into host cells by binding to specific cellular receptors. This interaction facilitates the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane allowing viral entry and subsequent infection. Its expression is important for the infectivity of HSV-2 a virus related to HSV-1.

Biological function summary

Glycoprotein D of HSV2 is an important mediator in host-virus interaction. It does not form part of a larger protein complex but acts independently to recognize and bind to receptors on host cells such as the herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) and nectin-1. These interactions trigger conformational changes in other viral glycoproteins facilitating membrane fusion and entry of the virus into the cytoplasm of the host cell. Through these interactions gD plays a direct role in the viral entry process distinguishing HSV-2 from HSV-1 slightly due to its preferential receptor usage.

Pathways

Glycoprotein D is central in the entry and fusion pathways of HSV-2. It connects to the receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway involved in viral entry and the fusion pathway that merges viral and host membranes. The gD protein operates alongside other viral proteins such as glycoproteins gB gH and gL which facilitate membrane fusion following receptor binding. These coordinated interactions are important for HSV-2 to successfully hijack host cellular mechanisms and establish infection.

Glycoprotein D is associated with the pathogenesis of genital herpes and the recurrent nature of these infections caused by HSV-2. The immune system's recognition of this protein can lead to the development of potential vaccines targeting HSV-2 glycoproteins including gB. The gD protein's interaction with its receptors and its distinct role compared to HSV-1 makes it a significant focus for understanding viral tropism and designing therapeutic strategies. Through targeting gD therapies aim to block viral entry and limit the spread of HSV-2 infection in the host.