Host cell receptors used for viral entry

Host cell receptors used for viral entry are a heterogeneous group of molecules, primarily proteins, located on the plasma membrane that viruses exploit to initiate infection (Maginnis, 2018, Journal of Molecular Biology). These receptors typically perform vital physiological functions, such as mediating cell signaling, facilitating adhesion, or acting as enzymes, which viruses co-opt through high-affinity binding with their own surface glycoproteins (Baranowski et al., 2001, Science). For instance, SARS-CoV-2 utilizes Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for entry, while HIV-1 requires the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor like CCR5 (UniProt). The interaction between a virus and its host receptor is a critical determinant of viral tropism, tissue specificity, and host range (PubMed, PMID: 11586023). Therapeutic strategies targeting these receptors, known as entry inhibitors, aim to block the initial stages of the viral life cycle, thereby preventing the delivery of the viral genome into the cytoplasm (PubMed, PMID: 32733101). Examples of such drugs include Maraviroc, which targets CCR5, and Bulevirtide, which targets the NTCP transporter (NIH, LiverTox). However, because these targets are endogenous host proteins, drug development must carefully avoid interfering with the receptor's natural biological role to minimize toxicity and adverse effects.

Other names

Viral entry receptorsHost cell surface receptorsViral attachment factorsVirus receptorsEntry mediators

Competitive inhibition of viral attachment, allosteric modulation of co-receptors, and blocking of receptor-mediated endocytosis or membrane fusion.