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Parvoviral host range and cell entry mechanisms
Susan F Cotmore1, Peter Tattersall
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA.
Advances in Virus Research
|September 4, 2007
Summary
Parvoviruses use unique cell entry mechanisms, involving capsid conformational changes and specific host interactions, to deliver their genome for replication. These viruses exploit host cell machinery, evading detection to initiate infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Parvoviruses are small, nonenveloped viruses with single-stranded DNA genomes, protected by durable icosahedral capsids.
- Capsid structure facilitates genome protection and sequential conformational changes for host cell entry and nuclear translocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse cell entry mechanisms employed by parvoviruses.
- To elucidate the distinct modes of host cell specificity and viral entry pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on parvovirus cell entry.
- Analysis of glycan-specific interactions and protein-receptor binding.
- Examination of virion conformational changes and enzymatic activity during entry.
Main Results:
- Two distinct host cell specificity modes identified: glycan-specific interactions (Minute virus of mice) and protein-receptor interactions (Canine parvovirus).
- Capsid conformational changes expose a phospholipase A2 enzyme, mediating endosomolysis and cytoplasmic translocation.
- Virions are delivered to the nucleus, where transcriptionally silent DNA may evade detection.
Conclusions:
- Parvovirus cell entry is a complex process involving specific receptor interactions and conformational changes.
- The phospholipase A2 activity is crucial for endosomal escape and cytoplasmic delivery.
- Successful nuclear delivery and evasion of cellular defenses enable parvovirus replication.
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