Three-dimensional structure of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D at 2.4-nanometer resolution.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for virus infectivity and is responsible for binding to cellular membrane proteins and subsequently promoting fusion between the virus envelope and the cell. No structural data are available for gD or for any other herpesvirus envelope protein. Here we present a three-dimensional model for the baculovirus-expressed truncated protein gD1(306t) based on electron microscopic data. We demonstrate that gD1(306t) appears as a homotetramer containing a pronounced pocket in the center of the molecule. Monoclonal antibody binding demonstrates that the molecule is oriented such that the pocket protrudes away from the virus envelope.