Host airway epithelial cell plasma membrane

The host airway epithelial cell plasma membrane serves as the critical biological substrate for the entry of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) into the human respiratory tract [1]. This entry is mediated by the RSV fusion (F) protein, which triggers the merging of the viral envelope with the host cell's lipid bilayer [1, 3]. The plasma membrane provides the necessary environment and specific host factors, such as nucleolin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, that facilitate viral attachment and subsequent membrane fusion [2, 3]. Although the membrane itself is a complex cellular structure rather than a discrete molecular target, it is the functional site for the action of fusion inhibitors [1]. These therapeutic agents, including monoclonal antibodies like palivizumab and nirsevimab, work by binding to the viral F protein to prevent the conformational changes required for it to fuse with the host membrane [4]. Consequently, the host plasma membrane is a central component of the RSV infection cycle and a primary focus for understanding viral pathogenesis and developing preventative treatments [3, 4]. Small molecule inhibitors like presatovir also target the fusion process at this interface by stabilizing the pre-fusion state of the F protein [1].

Other names

Host cell membraneAirway epithelial membraneRSV fusion substrateTarget membrane for RSV F-mediated fusion

Inhibition of viral-host membrane fusion by binding to the RSV fusion (F) protein, thereby preventing the merging of the viral envelope with the host airway epithelial cell plasma membrane [1, 4].