About Human Enterovirus 71 (EV71) VP2 Protein

Human Enterovirus 71 (EV71), also known as Enterovirus A71, is a major causative agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and has been associated with severe neurological complications in children. The VP2 protein is one of the four structural proteins that form the EV71 viral capsid and plays an important role in virion assembly, capsid stability, receptor interaction, and viral infectivity. Together with VP1 and VP3, VP2 is exposed on the surface of the viral particle and contributes to the structural architecture of the capsid. EV71 virions contain 60 copies each of VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4 arranged in an icosahedral capsid that protects the viral RNA genome.

In addition to its structural function, VP2 contains antigenic regions recognized by the host immune system. The VP2 EF loop has been identified as an important immunogenic region and has been investigated for vaccine development, antibody characterization, and diagnostic applications. VP2 also contributes to virus-host interactions and participates in receptor-mediated entry processes that initiate infection. Because of its role in capsid assembly, antigenicity, and viral pathogenesis, VP2 has become an important target for studies of enterovirus biology and antiviral intervention strategies.

eEnzyme's recombinant Human Enterovirus 71 VP2 Protein provides a valuable research tool for investigations of viral capsid structure, virus-host interactions, immune responses, vaccine development, and antiviral research. The protein is suitable for antibody generation, epitope mapping, antigen characterization, structural biology studies, and immunological assay development. Researchers can utilize this recombinant antigen to investigate EV71 pathogenesis, characterize protective immune responses, and support the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies against EV71 infection.

Applications of EV71 VP2 Protein

• Enterovirus 71 vaccine research and development
• Antibody generation and characterization
• Capsid structure and assembly studies
• Epitope mapping and antigenicity analysis
• Virus-host interaction investigations
• ELISA, Western blot, and immunological assays

Biological Significance of VP2

VP2 is an essential structural component of the EV71 capsid and contributes to the formation of infectious virus particles. During viral assembly, VP2 associates with VP1, VP3, and VP4 to form protomers that subsequently assemble into pentamers and mature icosahedral virions. Surface-exposed regions of VP2 participate in antigen recognition and may contribute to receptor interactions involved in viral entry. Several studies have identified immunogenic VP2 epitopes capable of eliciting antibody responses and contributing to protective immunity. Because of its dual role in capsid structure and immune recognition, VP2 remains an important target for enterovirus vaccine research, viral pathogenesis studies, and antiviral development.