The interactions of flaviviruses with cellular receptors: Implications for virus entry

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Flaviviruses are enveloped viruses that infect host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
• Viral entry is a complex process involving interactions between viral envelope proteins and host cell surface receptors.
• Several cellular receptors, including glycosaminoglycans and phosphatidylserine receptors, have been identified for flavivirus attachment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding flavivirus attachment, internalization, and membrane fusion.
• To highlight the critical role of cellular receptors in flavivirus cell entry.
• To provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for flavivirus infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific publications on flavivirus cell entry.
• Analysis of studies identifying and characterizing cellular receptors for flaviviruses.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on the mechanisms of flavivirus attachment, internalization, and fusion.

Main Results:

• Flavivirus attachment involves diverse cellular receptors such as glycosaminoglycans, tight junction proteins, laminin receptors, phosphatidylserine receptors, integrins, and C-type lectin receptors.
• These receptors mediate the initial interaction and facilitate subsequent internalization and membrane fusion processes.
• The specific receptor usage can vary depending on the flavivirus species and host cell type.

Conclusions:

• Cellular receptors play a pivotal role in mediating flavivirus entry into host cells.
• A deeper understanding of these receptor-virus interactions is crucial for developing effective antiviral strategies.
• Targeting specific cellular receptors could offer a promising approach for preventing or treating flavivirus infections.