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Replication of alphaviruses: a review on the entry process of alphaviruses into cells

Jason Yat-Sing Leung1, Mary Mah-Lee Ng, Justin Jang Hann Chu

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 5 Science Drive 2, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597.

Advances in Virology
|February 8, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Alphaviruses are enveloped viruses that cause human disease. This paper examines alphavirus entry into cells, a critical step for viral replication and propagation.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathogen Research

Background:

  • Alphaviruses are small, enveloped viruses with single-stranded RNA genomes.
  • They are arthropod-borne viruses posing significant threats to human health.
  • Recent outbreaks, like Chikungunya, underscore the need to understand their life cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the distinct stages of alphavirus entry into host cells.
  • To provide examples of viral entry mechanisms from key alphavirus species.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on alphavirus entry.
  • Analysis of studies detailing viral attachment, internalization, and uncoating.
  • Comparative examination of entry pathways across different alphaviruses.

Main Results:

  • Alphavirus entry is a multi-step process initiated by cell attachment.
  • Viral internalization occurs via a receptor-mediated endocytic pathway.
  • Specific examples from Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus, Chikungunya virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus illustrate these stages.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding alphavirus entry mechanisms is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
  • The receptor-mediated endocytic pathway is a conserved entry route for many alphaviruses.
  • Further research into these entry dynamics can inform public health interventions against alphavirus infections.

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