Cellular receptors-mediated invasion of herpesviruses

Abstract:

Herpesviruses are a group of enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that can infect human and various animals, and induce herpes lesions in skin, mucous membranes and nerve tissues. Their invasion into host cells is the initial step in the virus life cycle, and receptors are the important host factors that mediate virus invasion, including attachment, internalization and membrane fusion. Therefore, to study receptors is important to understand viral invasion and to develop antivirals. We review here the cellular receptors and their mediation of membrane translocation. Current problems and future research needs are also discussed.