Review Article Open Access

Rabies Glycoprotein: A Benefit to the Virus, us or both?

Abstract

Rabies virus glycoprotein play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the disease by enabling binding of the virus to the potential receptors at site of inoculation, entry into the neurons, fusion of virus with endosomal membrane, transcription and translation of viral genome, replication , its retrograde transport to higher neurons and production of neutralizing antibodies. The ability of glycoprotein to activate the immune system and subsequent production of neutralizing antibodies have been exploited for the production of recombinant vaccines which may turn out in future to be an effective choice than the available alternatives for immunization of both human beings and animals. Oral bait vaccines for wildlife currently under use is based on this technology which proclaims the practical utility and field application of this technology. Monoclonal antibodies against glycoprotein are being utilized for epitope marking in various rabies virus isolates and it can also be a superior choice for post exposure prophylaxis in human beings. Retrograde transport property warranted by glycoprotein is utilized in brain research to unveil the complex neuronal connections to explore the normal functions of brain which may also improve our understanding of brain disorders and the possible treatment alternatives. Also, glycoprotein based peptides and pseudotyped viral vectors can be a better choice for drug or gene delivery to brain in various nervous disorders which have the advantage of overcoming the BBB in non-invasive way. Thus rabies glycoprotein has both detrimental as well as beneficial effects.

Susan Cherian, Rajendra Singh, Anjaneya, Singh KP

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