A comparative review of viral entry and attachment during large and giant dsDNA virus infections

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Viruses employ diverse mechanisms like endocytosis, macropinocytosis, phagocytosis, and membrane fusion to enter host cells.
• Viral entry strategies are dictated by the virus's external topology, proteome, and the specific host cell type targeted.
• Understanding viral entry is crucial for comprehending host-cell interactions and developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively review the cellular attachment receptors and entry pathways of various dsDNA virus families.
• To highlight similarities and differences in entry mechanisms among Adenoviridae, Herpesviridae, NCLDVs, and giant viruses.
• To emphasize the roles of viral topology and proteins in mediating host cell attachment and entry.

Main Methods:

• Comparative review of existing literature on viral entry mechanisms.
• Analysis of viral topology and proteomic data influencing host cell interactions.
• Examination of cellular attachment receptors and entry pathways across different virus families.

Main Results:

• dsDNA viruses and giant viruses utilize distinct yet sometimes overlapping entry pathways.
• Viral surface proteins and topology are key determinants of host cell recognition and entry.
• A wide range of hosts, from humans to protozoa and algae, are susceptible to these viruses.

Conclusions:

• Viral entry mechanisms are diverse, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to specific hosts and cellular environments.
• Further research into viral attachment and entry factors can reveal novel therapeutic targets.
• The study provides a comprehensive overview of dsDNA and giant virus entry, essential for understanding viral pathogenesis.