Host cell surface receptors for viral vector entry

Host cell surface receptors for viral vector entry represent a diverse class of membrane-bound molecules, including proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, that facilitate the attachment and internalization of therapeutic viral vectors (Bulcha et al., 2021). These receptors are the primary determinants of viral tropism, defining which tissues and cell types can be effectively transduced by specific vectors such as Adeno-associated virus (AAV), Lentivirus, or Adenovirus. For instance, the Adeno-associated virus receptor (AAVR, encoded by KIAA0319L) is an essential host factor for the entry of multiple AAV serotypes, while the Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is the primary attachment site for many adenoviral vectors (Pillay et al., 2016; Bergelson et al., 1997). In many cases, vectors are pseudotyped with foreign glycoproteins, such as the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G protein (VSV-G), to utilize ubiquitous receptors like the Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) for broader cell entry (Finkelshtein et al., 2013). The density and availability of these receptors on target cells are critical for the success of gene therapies, and their interaction with vectors can be hindered by pre-existing neutralizing antibodies or off-target sequestration in the liver (Summerford & Samulski, 1998). Consequently, these receptors are central to the design of targeted delivery systems and the assessment of patient eligibility for viral-mediated genetic interventions.

Other names

Viral entry receptorsViral attachment factorsHost cell receptorsTransduction receptors

Facilitation of viral attachment, membrane fusion, and receptor-mediated endocytosis for the delivery of genetic payloads.