VZV gE
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a neurotropic human alphaherpesvirus responsible for two distinct diseases: varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Primary infection with VZV typically occurs in childhood, leading to varicella, characterized by a generalized pruritic rash. After the primary infection, VZV establishes lifelong latency in sensory and autonomic ganglia . Reactivation of the latent virus, often due to age-related immune system decline, results in herpes zoster, which is associated with painful skin rashes and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic neuropathic pain .
Glycoprotein E (gE) is the most abundant glycoprotein expressed during VZV infection. It is a major component of the virion and is essential for cell-to-cell spread and neurovirulence in animal models . The gE protein plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect and spread within the host, making it a key target for vaccine development.
The recombinant form of gE (gE recombinant) has been utilized in the development of vaccines to prevent herpes zoster. The most notable vaccine is Shingrix, which comprises a recombinant VZV glycoprotein E (gE) formulated with a potent adjuvant AS01B . This vaccine has shown high efficacy in preventing herpes zoster and its complications, particularly in older adults and immunocompromised individuals .
Recombinant gE vaccines offer several advantages over traditional live-attenuated vaccines. They are non-replicating, making them safer for immunocompromised individuals . Additionally, they induce a robust immune response, both humoral and cellular, which is crucial for long-term protection against VZV reactivation .
Recent research has focused on improving the efficacy and safety of recombinant gE vaccines. For instance, nanoparticle-based vaccines displaying the gE antigen have shown superior cellular immune responses compared to existing vaccines in preclinical studies . These advancements hold promise for the development of next-generation shingles vaccines that are more effective and have fewer side effects .
