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Sialic Acid Receptors of Viruses
Mikhail Matrosovich1, Georg Herrler, Hans Dieter Klenk
1Institut für Virologie, Philipps-Universität, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
Topics in Current Chemistry
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Many viruses use sialic acid as a cell entry receptor. Understanding viral attachment and release mechanisms, involving receptor binding proteins and enzymes, is key to controlling viral spread and disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Sialic acids on glycoproteins and gangliosides serve as critical receptors for numerous viruses.
- Viruses like influenza, coronaviruses, and rotaviruses utilize these sialic acid receptors for cellular entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of viral attachment to sialic acid receptors.
- To explore the role of viral enzymes in virus release and host-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral receptor binding proteins.
- Investigation of viral neuraminidase and sialyl-O-acetyl-esterase activities.
Main Results:
- Viral attachment is mediated by specific receptor binding proteins.
- Enzymes like neuraminidase facilitate virus release and prevent interference with binding.
Conclusions:
- Sialic acid interactions are fundamental to viral cell entry.
- Variations in receptor specificity influence viral host range, tropism, and pathogenicity.
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