glycoprotein E/gE Protein, HHV-2 (Cell-Free, His)

The glycoprotein E/gE protein, forming a heterodimer with gI, plays a crucial role in the cell-to-cell spread of the virus in epithelial cells by facilitating the sorting of nascent virions to cell junctions. Once positioned at these junctions, virus particles can rapidly disseminate to neighboring cells through interactions with cellular receptors that accumulate in these regions. Notably, gE/gI is implicated in basolateral spread in polarized cells. In neuronal cells, this heterodimer is essential for the anterograde spread of the infection throughout the host nervous system, working in tandem with US9 to sort and transport viral structural components toward axon tips. Beyond its role in virus propagation, gE/gI serves as a receptor for the Fc part of host IgG. Under acidic pH conditions, dissociation of gE/gI from IgG occurs, suggesting involvement in anti-HSV antibodies bipolar bridging. This process may lead to intracellular endocytosis and degradation, potentially interfering with host IgG-mediated immune responses. The diverse functions of the glycoprotein E/gE protein underscore its pivotal role in the complex life cycle and immune evasion strategies of the herpes simplex virus.