Host cell plasma membrane

The **host cell plasma membrane** (also called the cell membrane, cytoplasmic membrane, or plasmalemma) is a universal biological membrane that encloses the cell, separating its interior from the extracellular environment. It is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol (in animals), glycolipids, and carbohydrates. The membrane acts as a selective barrier that regulates the transport of ions and molecules into and out of the cell, mediates cell signaling, cell adhesion, and maintains cell shape[1][3][4][5][7]. The plasma membrane is dynamic, enabling processes like endocytosis, exocytosis, and cell-cell communication, and it plays a critical role in the lifecycle of pathogens, providing a platform for entry, exit, and manipulation by bacteria and viruses[2][4][8]. While the plasma membrane contains specific proteins that are valid therapeutic targets (such as receptors, transporters, or ion channels), the membrane itself is not a molecular drug target but a cellular structure composed of many components[1][5][7].

Other names

Plasma membraneCell membraneCytoplasmic membranePlasmalemma