VZV (Varicella zoster) Abs

GenHunter currently has 2 monoclonal antibodies against Varicella zoster virus (VZV): 1 for gB & 1 for gE. See below.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a highly contagious DNA virus and a member of the herpesvirus family that exclusively infects humans. It is responsible for two distinct clinical stages:
  • Primary Infection (Chickenpox): Causes an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, and fatigue, typically in children.
  • Reactivation (Shingles): After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve cells (sensory nerve ganglia)
     and can reactivate later in life, causing a painful, localized rash known as herpes zoster or shingles.

Key Aspects of VZV:
• Transmission: Spreads through respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) or direct contact with fluid from the rash.
• Prevention: Effective vaccines are available for both chickenpox and shingles.
• Duration: While chickenpox is generally self-limiting, VZV remains in the body for life.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoproteins E (gE) and B (gB) are essential structural components of the viral envelope that facilitate cell entry, spread, and pathogenesis. They are prime targets for vaccine development due to their high immunogenicity.

VZV Glycoprotein E (gE)
• Structure: VZV gE is a highly glycosylated Type I membrane protein that acts as the most abundant glycoprotein on the surface of infected cells. It typically forms a heterodimer with gI and contains a unique N-terminal region (residues 1–188).
• Function: gE is crucial for viral replication, cell-to-cell spread (especially in skin cells), and secondary envelopment. It interacts with insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) to facilitate virus entry and functions as an Fc receptor for IgG, potentially allowing the virus to evade host immune responses.
• Subunit Vaccine Role: gE is the primary antigen used in the highly efficacious, AS01B-adjuvanted subunit vaccine Shingrix (HZ/su). It elicits potent VZV-specific antibody and T-cell responses (Cell-Mediated Immunity - CMI), which are essential for preventing herpes zoster in older adults.

VZV Glycoprotein B (gB)
• Structure: VZV gB is a highly conserved transmembrane glycoprotein that forms large spikes on the viral envelope. It consists of an ectodomain with five distinct domains (DI-V).
• Function: gB acts as the primary fusogen in the VZV fusion complex, consisting of gB/gH/gL. It drives membrane fusion between the virus envelope and host cell membrane, as well as cell-cell fusion (polykaryocyte formation) in skin lesions. Its cytoplasmic domain regulates the fusion process.
• Subunit Vaccine Role: Although less abundant than gE, gB is highly immunogenic and elicits neutralizing antibodies independently of complement. It is considered a key target for next-generation vaccines or trivalent vaccines (targeting gB, gE, and gH) to provide broader protection.

Summary of Differences in Vaccine Context
• gE is known to elicit superior cell-mediated immunity (CD4 T-cells) and is the core component of current successful subunit vaccines.
• gB is an essential fusion protein, and antibodies against it target a conserved mechanism of entry and cell-to-cell spread.
• Combining both, is a major focus in current research to improve upon current vaccination strategies.

VZV Antibody Products Available: