Regulating the dynamic interactions between herpes simplex viruses and cell -surface glycosaminoglycans

• Virus entry is a complex dynamic multistep process requiring a series of fine-tuned events mediating virus diffusion through the glycocalyx, its attachment to the cell membrane and lateral diffusion to the point of entry. A number of enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex viruses (HSV) attach to susceptible host cells via interaction between their glycoproteins and cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In our work, we study the molecular and physical mechanisms modulating HSV binding, diffusion and release from cell-surface glycosaminoglycans. Using single virus tracking in combination with either in vitro minimal models of the cell surface or live cell microscopy, we gain insights into the modulatory function of protein glycosylation (the presence of mucin-like regions on viral glycoproteins) and interrogate the role of GAG sulfation in the process. We show that mucin-like regions found on the glycoproteins of HSV-1 and HSV-2 play an important role in modulating the interaction, an observation further supported by cell experiments. We further show that the diffusion of virions on the surface depends on the type of GAGs and their degree of sulfation. Taken together, our research contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interaction between a virus and the surface of its host. Such insights will without doubt facilitate the design of more efficient antiviral drugs or vaccines.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Biofysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Biophysics (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)