Gulping rather than sipping: macropinocytosis as a way of virus entry

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Macropinocytosis is an actin-dependent endocytic process.
• It involves the formation of large membrane protrusions and non-specific uptake of extracellular fluid.
• This mechanism is increasingly recognized for its role in cellular processes and pathogen entry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the role of macropinocytosis in animal virus cell entry.
• To differentiate macropinocytosis from other endocytic pathways used by viruses.
• To highlight the signaling events triggering macropinocytosis for viral internalization.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on macropinocytosis and viral entry.
• Analysis of signaling pathways activated by viruses to induce macropinocytosis.
• Comparison of macropinocytosis with other endocytic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Macropinocytosis is a significant mechanism for the cell entry of diverse animal viruses.
• Viral entry via macropinocytosis is triggered by activating growth factor receptors or signaling molecules.
• This process leads to actin-dependent membrane rearrangements and bulk fluid-phase uptake, internalizing viruses.

Conclusions:

• Macropinocytosis represents a fundamental and distinct pathway for viral internalization.
• This strategy is employed by both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
• Understanding macropinocytosis is crucial for developing antiviral strategies targeting viral entry.