Antibodies targeting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus GP38 limit vascular leak and viral spread.

ABSTRACT: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a priority pathogen transmitted by tick bites, with no vaccines or specific therapeutics approved to date. Severe disease manifestations include hemorrhage, endothelial dysfunction, and multiorgan failure. Infected cells release the viral glycoprotein GP38, whose extracellular function is presently unknown. GP38 is considered an important target for vaccine and therapeutic design because GP38-specific antibodies can protect against severe disease in animal models, albeit through an unknown mechanism of action. Here, we showed that GP38 induces endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro by disrupting the endothelial glycocalyx layer and triggering hyperpermeability. We also demonstrated that GP38 alone can cause vascular leak in a mouse model.

SUBMITTER: Pahmeier F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12095872 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature