Poliovirus (Enterovirus C) (PV)

Poliovirus is a human enterovirus and the causative agent of poliomyelitis, a disease characterized by the destruction of motor neurons in the spinal cord leading to acute flaccid paralysis (CDC, 2023; WHO, 2022). The virus exists as three distinct serotypes (1, 2, and 3) and consists of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome enclosed in a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid composed of 60 copies each of four proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4 (Hogle, 2002). Infection is initiated when the virus binds to the human poliovirus receptor, CD155, on the surface of susceptible cells (Racaniello, 2006). In the context of indirect immune-mediated neutralization, the therapeutic strategy relies on vaccines (IPV and OPV) to elicit a robust adaptive immune response. These vaccines induce the production of neutralizing antibodies that target the viral capsid, effectively blocking the virus from interacting with CD155 and preventing the systemic spread of the pathogen to the central nervous system. This approach focuses on host-mediated clearance and prevention rather than direct inhibition of viral enzymes by small molecule drugs.

Other names

Enterovirus CPoliomyelitis virusPV1PV2PV3Poliovirus type 1Poliovirus type 2Poliovirus type 3

Indirect immune-mediated neutralization via the induction of humoral immunity; neutralizing antibodies (IgG and IgA) bind to specific antigenic sites on the viral capsid proteins (VP1, VP2, and VP3), sterically hindering the virus's ability to bind to the host cell receptor CD155 and preventing subsequent viral entry and uncoating.