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Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
On resistance to virus entry into host cells.
Long Li1, Xiaojing Liu, Youhe Zhou
1Key Laboratory of Mechanics on Disaster and Environment in Western China, Ministry of Education of China, and Department of Mechanics and Engineering Sciences, School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Biophysical Journal
|July 25, 2012
Summary
Binding energy drives enveloped virus entry into host cells, challenging previous models. Membrane deformation, not just cytoskeleton, plays a crucial role in viral engulfment.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Enveloped virus entry into host cells is crucial for infection.
- Previous models (Sun & Wirtz, 2006) suggested cytoskeleton deformation dominates viral engulfment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the forces driving enveloped virus entry using a corrected continuum model.
- To investigate the relative contributions of membrane and cytoskeleton deformation to viral engulfment energy.
Main Methods:
- Adoption and modification of the continuum model by Sun and Wirtz (2006).
- Analysis of energy contributions from receptor-ligand binding, membrane deformation, and cytoskeleton deformation.
- Comparison of energy barriers across a range of virus sizes and cytoskeleton properties.
Main Results:
- Receptor-ligand binding energy significantly contributes to overcoming engulfment resistance.
- Corrected membrane deformation energy reveals its substantial role, contrary to prior conclusions.
- A critical virus radius was identified, beyond which membrane deformation consistently dominates resistance.
Conclusions:
- The binding energy of the receptor-ligand complex is a key driver for enveloped virus engulfment.
- Membrane deformation is a more significant factor in viral entry resistance than previously estimated.
- The relative importance of membrane versus cytoskeleton deformation depends on virus size and cellular properties.
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