HSV-1 entry receptors

HSv-1 entry receptors are a group of cellular membrane proteins exploited by herpes simplex virus type 1 to achieve entry into host cells. The key receptors include Nectin-1 (a cell-cell adhesion molecule), Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) (a member of the TNF receptor family), Paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptor alpha (PILRα), integrins (αvβ6, αvβ8), and modifications of heparan sulfate carbohydrate chains (3-O-sulfated HS)[1][2][3][4][5][6]. The virus's envelope glycoproteins (particularly gD, gB, gH/gL) interact with these host receptors to trigger membrane fusion and initiate infection. Because these interactions are essential for viral entry, they represent therapeutic targets for antiviral strategies, although the diversity and redundancy of available entry receptors pose significant challenges for drug development[1][3][5].

Other names

PVRL1Poliovirus receptor-related protein 1TNFRSF14Paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptor alphaHS3-O-sulfated HSIntegrin alpha-v beta-6Integrin alpha-v beta-8

Blocking viral glycoprotein-receptor interaction: Preventing HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD) from binding to Nectin-1 or HVEM inhibits fusion and entry. Decoy receptor mechanisms: Soluble forms of receptor analogs can sequester viral glycoproteins. Receptor masking or downregulation: Antibodies or small molecules that mask or downregulate host receptors. Attachment inhibitors: Molecules that block initial viral adhesion (e.g., heparan sulfate mimetics).