Virus-host cell binding

Virus-host cell binding refers to the initial molecular interactions between a virus and the surface of a host cell, necessary for viral entry and infection. This process is mediated by viral surface proteins (such as glycoproteins or capsid proteins) binding to specific receptors or attachment factors (such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, or carbohydrates) on the host cell membrane[1][2][6]. The specificity of these interactions determines viral host range and tissue tropism, and disruption of this binding can prevent infection. Many different molecules, such as integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily proteins, or sialic acids, act as viral receptors for different viruses. The process also includes subsequent steps such as conformational changes in viral proteins, membrane fusion, or endocytosis, leading to viral genome entry into the cell[4][5]. Antiviral drugs and antibodies can be developed to block specific virus-receptor pairs, but "virus-host cell binding" as a generic concept is not itself a single therapeutic target[4].

Other names

Virus-cell bindingViral attachment to host cellVirus-receptor interactionVirus entry stepVirus adhesion