HSV 2 gG

Glycoprotein G-2 (gG-2) is a type-specific glycoprotein found on the envelope of HSV-2. It is encoded by the US4 gene and is involved in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. The primary function of gG-2 is to facilitate the attachment and entry of the virus into the host cell by interacting with cell surface receptors. This interaction is critical for the initiation of infection and the subsequent replication of the virus.

gG-2 is also a major target for the host’s immune response. The immune system recognizes gG-2 as a foreign antigen and produces specific antibodies against it. These antibodies can neutralize the virus and prevent it from infecting new cells. The presence of gG-2-specific antibodies in the blood is a marker of HSV-2 infection and is used in serological tests to diagnose the infection .

The detection of antibodies against gG-2 is a cornerstone of serological testing for HSV-2. Commercially available assays, such as the HerpeSelect HSV-2 ELISA, utilize gG-2 to detect the presence of HSV-2-specific antibodies in the blood . These tests have significantly improved the accuracy of HSV-2 diagnosis, especially in distinguishing between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections . The specificity of gG-2-based tests is high, making them reliable tools for clinical diagnosis.

The accurate diagnosis of HSV-2 infection is essential for managing the disease and preventing its transmission. HSV-2 is a chronic infection that can cause recurrent genital lesions and has been associated with an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Therefore, identifying individuals with HSV-2 infection through gG-2-based serological tests is crucial for public health interventions and for guiding clinical management.

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the detailed mechanisms of gG-2’s interaction with the host immune system and its role in viral pathogenesis. Advances in this area could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and vaccines targeting gG-2. Additionally, improving the sensitivity and specificity of gG-2-based diagnostic tests remains a priority to enhance the accuracy of HSV-2 detection in various populations .