Viral attachment and entry

Viral attachment and entry is the critical first stage of the viral replication cycle, involving the interaction between viral surface components and host cell membranes. This process generally proceeds through three phases: initial attachment (adsorption) to the cell surface, specific binding to one or more host receptors or co-receptors, and finally, entry into the cytoplasm via membrane fusion or endocytosis (Cossart & Helenius, 2014, Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol). Because this stage is required for the initiation of infection, it serves as a significant therapeutic target for antiviral drug development. Entry inhibitors, such as CCR5 antagonists and fusion inhibitors, are designed to disrupt these early interactions, thereby preventing the viral genome from entering the host cell (Tilton & Doms, 2010, Antiviral Therapy). These therapies are particularly prominent in the treatment of chronic viral infections like HIV-1 and Hepatitis B/D, where blocking the entry step can significantly reduce viral load (NIH, 2023, HIV Treatment Guidelines). However, the high mutation rate of viruses often leads to the development of resistance, necessitating the use of these drugs in combination therapies.

Other names

Viral entryViral fusionViral adsorptionVirus-cell fusionViral internalization

Inhibition of viral attachment to host receptors, blocking of co-receptor binding, or prevention of viral-host membrane fusion.