Viral particles and mucosal surfaces

The interaction between viral particles and mucosal surfaces represents the primary site of entry for the majority of infectious pathogens, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV (Cone, 2009, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews). Mucosal surfaces are protected by a complex, viscoelastic hydrogel known as mucus, which is primarily composed of mucin glycoproteins that act as a physical and chemical sieve to trap pathogens (Linden et al., 2008, Mucosal Immunology). This interface also serves as a platform for immune defense, housing secretory IgA (sIgA) and antimicrobial peptides that neutralize viruses before they can reach and infect the underlying epithelial cells (Woof & Russell, 2011, Nature Reviews Immunology). Therapeutic strategies targeting this environment often utilize mucoadhesive agents or physical barriers, such as iota-carrageenan, to enhance the entrapment and subsequent clearance of viral particles (Morokutti-Kurz et al., 2015, PLOS ONE). While 'viral particles and mucosal surfaces' is not a single molecular target, it is a critical biological interface for the development of prophylactic treatments and topical microbicides (Mantis et al., 2011, Mucosal Immunology).

Other names

Mucosal barrierViral-mucus interfaceRespiratory mucosaGastrointestinal mucosaUrogenital mucosaMucosal-viral interaction

Physical entrapment of viral particles within the mucus layer, prevention of viral attachment to epithelial receptors, and enhancement of the natural mucosal barrier properties (Eccles, 2020, Journal of Clinical Virology).