Cell surface receptors for viral entry

Cell surface receptors for viral entry are a diverse group of host plasma membrane proteins, glycoproteins, or lipids that viruses exploit to attach to and enter host cells[1][4][5][7]. These receptors determine viral host range, tissue tropism, and the efficiency of infection. Individual viral families often use characteristic receptors; for example, coronaviruses (like SARS-CoV-2) use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), HIV uses CD4 with CCR5 or CXCR4, and filoviruses may use NPC1. These receptors may function alone or as part of multi-component entry complexes, sometimes requiring coreceptors or attachment factors. They are prominent therapeutic targets: antibodies or small molecules that block virus-receptor interactions can prevent viral entry, although blocking host proteins raises toxicity and selectivity challenges[1][6]. "Cell surface receptors for viral entry" is a collective term and not a canonical target name, so it is not specific enough for direct drug targeting or unambiguous indexing in therapeutic databases. Key Points: - This is not a single molecule, but an umbrella category for a large set of proteins (e.g., ACE2, CD4, AXL, NPC1) used variably by different viruses[1][6]. - The target name is too generic; for structured data, each specific receptor should be named (e.g., "Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2" for ACE2). - The importance of these receptors in viral infection and therapy makes each a critical target for drug and vaccine development, but drug selectivity and potential interference with normal host processes are a concern[6][9]. For precise structured information, identification of the exact receptor (e.g., ACE2, CD4) in context is essential.

Other names

viral entry receptorvirus receptorhost cell entry receptorhost factor for viral entry

Blockade of virus-receptor interaction, Competitive inhibition, Receptor mimetic, Antibody-mediated receptor blockade