Host cell entry receptor

Host cell entry receptors are a broad category of cell surface molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, that viruses exploit to initiate infection (Maginnis, 2018). These molecules are functionally divided into attachment factors, which facilitate the initial docking of the virus to the cell surface, and entry receptors, which actively trigger viral internalization via membrane fusion or endocytosis (Shulla & Gallagher, 2009). The description 'viral attachment only' typically refers to attachment factors like heparan sulfate or sialic acid, which concentrate viral particles but do not independently mediate entry. These are often considered 'non-classical' drug targets because they are ubiquitous or have vital physiological roles that make them difficult to inhibit without significant side effects (Cagno et al., 2019). Therapeutic strategies targeting these receptors include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and decoy molecules designed to block the interaction between the virus and the host cell (Hoffmann et al., 2020). Understanding the specific host factors required for different viruses is crucial for developing both broad-spectrum and virus-specific entry inhibitors.

Other names

Viral entry receptorAttachment factorViral attachment receptorHost factor for viral entryCell surface receptor for virus

Inhibition of viral infection by blocking the interaction between viral surface proteins (e.g., spike, gp120) and host cell surface molecules, thereby preventing viral attachment, fusion, or endocytosis.