Host cell surface receptors utilized for viral entry

Host cell surface receptors utilized for viral entry are a heterogeneous class of molecules, including proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids, that viruses hijack to initiate infection (PMID: 15578924). These receptors typically perform critical cellular functions such as mediating cell-to-cell communication, regulating the immune response, or acting as enzymes (PMID: 22230605). Viruses have evolved to recognize specific domains on these host molecules to facilitate attachment, which is often followed by a conformational change that triggers membrane fusion or receptor-mediated endocytosis (PMID: 32132184). Notable examples include the CD4 receptor and CCR5 co-receptor for HIV-1, and the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for SARS-CoV-2 (PMID: 9634232, PMID: 32132184). In the context of drug development, these receptors are significant therapeutic targets because blocking the virus-receptor interaction can prevent the initial stage of the viral life cycle. Host-targeted entry inhibitors, such as Maraviroc, offer the advantage of potentially broad-spectrum activity and a higher genetic barrier to viral resistance (PMID: 17586661). However, a major challenge in targeting these receptors is the potential for toxicity, as inhibiting a host protein may interfere with its necessary biological roles. Consequently, therapeutic strategies often focus on achieving high specificity for the virus-binding interface while sparing the receptor's endogenous signaling or enzymatic activities (PMID: 35347014).

Other names

Viral entry receptorsHost cell receptorsViral attachment factorsViral co-receptorsHost-cell viral entry factors

Entry inhibition through competitive antagonism of host receptors, steric hindrance of viral attachment protein binding, or prevention of receptor-mediated endocytosis and membrane fusion (PMID: 15578924).