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Virus receptors: implications for pathogenesis and the design of antiviral agents
1Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA.
Abstract:
A virus initiates infection by attaching to its specific receptor on the surface of a susceptible host cell. This prepares the way for the virus to enter the cell. Consequently, the expression of the receptor on specific cells and tissues of the host is a major determinant of the route of entry of the virus into the host and of the patterns of virus spread and pathogenesis in the host. This review emphasizes the virus-receptor interactions of human immunodeficiency virus, the rhinoviruses, the herpesviruses, and the coronaviruses. These interactions are often found to be complex and dynamic, involving multiple sites or factors on both the virus and the host cell. Also, the receptor may play an important role in virus entry per se in addition to its role in virus binding. In the cases of human immunodeficiency virus and the rhinoviruses, ingenious approaches to therapeutic strategies based on inhibiting virus attachment and entry are under development and in clinical trials.
Insights
Viruses infect cells by binding to specific host cell receptors, determining entry routes and disease spread. Targeting these virus-receptor interactions offers promising therapeutic strategies for viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Viral infection begins with virus attachment to specific host cell receptors.
- Host cell receptor expression dictates viral entry routes, spread, and pathogenesis.
- Understanding virus-receptor interactions is crucial for controlling viral diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review virus-receptor interactions for key human viruses.
- To highlight the complexity and dynamism of these interactions.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting virus attachment and entry.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on human immunodeficiency virus, rhinoviruses, herpesviruses, and coronaviruses.
- Analysis of virus-receptor binding and entry mechanisms.
- Examination of therapeutic approaches inhibiting these interactions.
Main Results:
- Virus-receptor interactions are complex, involving multiple viral and cellular factors.
- Receptors play roles in both virus binding and cellular entry.
- Therapeutic strategies inhibiting attachment and entry are in development for HIV and rhinoviruses.
Conclusions:
- Host cell receptors are critical determinants of viral tropism and pathogenesis.
- Targeting virus-receptor interactions presents a viable therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into these interactions can lead to novel antiviral treatments.