Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara entry receptors

Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) entry receptors are a heterogeneous group of host cell surface molecules that facilitate the attachment and internalization of the MVA virus, a highly attenuated strain of vaccinia virus (VACV) (Volz & Sutter, 2017, Adv. Virus Res.). Unlike many viruses that utilize a single high-affinity receptor, MVA employs a multi-step process involving various attachment factors such as heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (Chung et al., 1998, J. Virol.). Additionally, host proteins like integrin beta-1 (ITGB1) and laminin have been identified as critical mediators of efficient viral entry and signaling (Schmidt et al., 2013, J. Virol.). The virus also exploits apoptotic mimicry, where phosphatidylserine on the viral envelope interacts with host phosphatidylserine receptors (e.g., Axl, Tyro3) to trigger macropinocytosis (Mercer & Helenius, 2008, Science). As MVA is a prominent vector for vaccines against smallpox, mpox, and various cancers, these receptors are essential targets for optimizing the delivery and efficacy of MVA-based therapeutics (Rziha et al., 2010, Expert Rev. Vaccines). Understanding the distribution and density of these receptors across different tissues helps in predicting the vector's tropism and the resulting immune response.

Other names

MVA attachment factorsOrthopoxvirus entry receptorsVaccinia virus entry receptorsHost cell factors for MVA entry

Competitive inhibition of viral attachment to glycosaminoglycans or blocking of receptor-mediated endocytosis and fusion.