Host respiratory epithelial cell surface entry receptors and co-factors engaged by RSV F and G glycoproteins

The host respiratory epithelial cell surface entry receptors and co-factors engaged by RSV F and G glycoproteins represent a diverse group of membrane-associated proteins that facilitate the infection cycle of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (Reactome, 2023). The RSV G glycoprotein initiates the process by binding to attachment factors such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and the CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), which is a key determinant of the virus's tropism for ciliated airway epithelial cells (Tripp et al., 2001; PLOS, 2015). Subsequently, the RSV F glycoprotein mediates membrane fusion by interacting with specific host receptors, most notably nucleolin (NCL) and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) (Tayyari et al., 2011; Griffiths et al., 2020). IGF1R activation triggers a signaling cascade involving protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) that recruits nucleolin from the nucleus to the apical cell surface, where it functions as a fusion receptor (Nature, 2020). Other co-factors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), further modulate viral entry, signaling, and the host inflammatory response (Currier et al., 2016; Frontiers, 2021). While current clinical interventions like palivizumab and nirsevimab target the viral F protein, these host factors are increasingly recognized as potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating RSV-associated diseases such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia (ASM, 2024).

Other names

RSV entry receptorsRSV host factorsRSV attachment factorsRSV co-receptorsRespiratory syncytial virus host cell receptors

Inhibition of viral attachment and fusion by targeting viral glycoproteins or host cell surface receptors and their associated signaling pathways.