HSV-1/2 gD

Membrane fusion is crucial for the entry, spread and formation of enveloped viruses, such as herpes simplex virus and is mediated by envelope glycoproteins. Two serotypes of the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 (also known as type 1 or oral) and HSV-2 (type 2 or genital), have been shown to encode at least ten glycoproteins, four of which are necessary and sufficient to facilitate fusion. These four glycoproteins include glycoprotein B (gB), glycoprotein D (gD), glycoprotein H (gH) and glycoprotein L (gL). The fusion event is dependent upon the expression of a gD receptor on target cell membranes and does not require the presence of cell-surface glycosaminoglycans. HSV-1/2 gD (glycoprotein D) specifically allows a stable connection to cellular receptors.

Herpes simplex virus-1/2 glycoprotein D