Transferrin Receptor Protein 1 Is an Entry Factor for Rabies Virus

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Rabies virus (RABV) is a fatal neurotropic virus.
• RABV entry into host cells occurs via clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME).
• Key host factors mediating RABV entry remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify host factors involved in RABV entry.
• To elucidate the mechanism of RABV cell entry.

Main Methods:

• Identified transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) as a RABV entry factor.
• Utilized antibodies and soluble TfR1 to block RABV infection.
• Tracked the intracellular transport of TfR1 and RABV.

Main Results:

• TfR1 interacts with RABV glycoprotein (G) and mediates viral endocytosis.
• Blocking TfR1 significantly inhibited RABV infection in various cell types.
• RABV and TfR1 share intracellular transport pathways to endosomes.

Conclusions:

• TfR1 is a crucial host factor for RABV entry.
• RABV hijacks the TfR1 pathway for cellular entry.
• This finding deepens the understanding of RABV neuroinvasion mechanisms.