HSV-1 gC

HSV-1 glycoprotein C binds complement component C3b and inhibits the interaction of C5 and properdin (P) with C3b, blocking activation of both the classical and alternative complement pathways. HSV-1 gC prevents complement-mediated neutralization of cell-free virus, inhibits complement-mediated lysis of infected cells, and contributes to virulence in vivo, as viruses deficient in binding C3b or blocking C5 and P from interacting with C3b are more attenuated than wild-type virus in a murine flank model of infection.

Herpes simplex virus 1 glycoprotein C

Major attachment protein that mediates binding of the virus to cell surface heparan sulfate or chondroitin sulfate. Plays also several roles in host immune evasion by inhibiting the host complement cascade activation, and by providing a shield against neutralizing antibodies that interfere with gB-gD, gB-gH/gL or gD-gH/gL interactions (By similarity).

Adhesion receptor-mediated virion attachment to host cell Source: UniProtKB-KW
Suppression by virus of host complement activation Source: UniProtKB-KW
Viral entry into host cell Source: UniProtKB-KW

Virion membrane

Virion surface: 25-480
Helical: 481-497
Intravirion: 498-511