8too

Structural highlights

Function

GP42_EBVB9 Plays a role in virion attachment to host B-lymphocytes, through binding to leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II and subsequently participates in fusion of the virion with host membranes. May act as a tropism switch that directs fusion with B-lymphocytes and inhibits fusion with epithelial cells.^[1]

References

1. ↑ Borza CM, Hutt-Fletcher LM. Alternate replication in B cells and epithelial cells switches tropism of Epstein-Barr virus. Nat Med. 2002 Jun;8(6):594-9. PMID:12042810 doi:10.1038/nm0602-594