The nucleotide sequence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (333) glycoprotein gB2 and analysis of predicted antigenic sites

The gene coding for glycoprotein B2 (gB2) of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) strain 333 was mapped and its nucleotide sequence determined. Open reading frame analysis deduced a polypeptide consisting of 902 amino acids and having close homology to gB1 of HSV type 1. Several predicted features of gB2 are consistent with a membrane-bound glycoprotein, i.e., a signal peptide sequence, a hydrophilic extracellular domain containing possible N-linked glycosylation sites, a hydrophobic membrane spanning sequence, and a cytoplasmic domain. Computer analysis on hydrophilicity, accessibility, and flexibility of the gB2 amino acid sequence, produced a composite surface value plot. At least nine major antigenic regions were predicted on the extracellular domain. The amino acids between residues 59–74, 127–139, 199–205, 460–476, and 580–594 exhibited the highest surface values. Comparison of the primary sequence with gB1 revealed localized regions showing amino acid diversity. Several of these locations correspond to major antigenic regions. Chou and Fasman analyses indicated that the amino acid substitutions, between positions 57–66, 461–472, and 473–481, induced changes in the secondary structure of gB. These sites could represent site-specific epitopes in the gB polypeptide.