Viral Endocytosis: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targets

Author: Ravdeep Kaur, Joginder Singh Panwar and Kongara Hanumantha Rao

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Abstract

Endocytosis process is utilized for various cell processes including cell-cell interactions, signal responses, homeostasis and even for virus internalization, by the eukaryotic cells. Among all the endocytic mechanisms such as Phagocytosis, Pinocytosis, Caveolin dependent & independent pathway; Clathrin dependent and receptor mediated is the most commonly hijacked by the human viruses such as Human Papilloma Virus, Adenovirus, ZIKA virus and Hepatitis-B virus. The selection basis for these four viruses is non-availability of high efficacy drugs, vaccines and other treatments as compared to the other human viruses. As per the evolutionary knowledge, host cells themselves are contributing towards the viral internalization and infection. However, the mechanisms and factors involved in the viral uptake are still not properly understood. Advances in the understanding of the uptake, transmission and infection process will facilitate the researchers to design the targeted therapeutic approaches and in prevention of the infection to the naïve host cells in the human body. In this review, we have addressed the current knowledge of endocytic mechanisms, host cell factors & host-virus interactions; employed by the Human Papilloma virus, ZIKA virus, Adenovirus and Hepatitis-B virus. We have attempted to summarize the drugs, plant and microbes’ based compounds & therapies developed from the currently available researches along with their targets in the infected host cells and the drugs, therapeutic treatments and vaccines under the clinical trials that can be possibly available in the future against the concerned viruses.

Keywords

Endocytosis, Human Papilloma Virus, Hepatitis – B Virus, ZIKA Virus, Adenovirus, Antivirals

Conclusion

This review explore endocytic mechanisms and drugs against four human viruses: Human Papilloma Virus, Zika virus, Hepatitis B Virus and Adenovirus. Introduction of viral genes in human hosts contribute to viral infection spread, affecting the understanding of endocytic mechanisms & development of viral protein inhibitors and vaccines. The various pathways of endocytosis employed by the viruses to enter the host cell, replicate and cause infection, still forms a unique tool that is necessary to uncover the other new virus transportation and endocytic pathways, in order to develop a remarkable drug against the definitive virus.

References

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How to cite this article

Ravdeep Kaur, Joginder Singh Panwar and Kongara Hanumantha Rao (2023). Viral Endocytosis: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targets. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5a): 681-689.