The alphaherpesvirus gE/gI glycoprotein complex and proteases jointly orchestrate invasion across the host's upper respiratory epithelial barrier.

ABSTRACT: Alphaherpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), pseudorabies virus (PRV), and bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), are significant pathogens affecting humans and animals. These viruses penetrate the upper respiratory tract mucosa, yet the mechanisms facilitating this invasion are not fully understood. This study investigates the role of the gE/gI glycoprotein complex and proteases in mucosal invasion by these viruses. Using species-specific respiratory mucosal explants, we observed that the removal of extracellular calcium disrupts epithelial junction integrity, enhancing viral infection across all viruses and suggesting a common mechanism of targeting a basolaterally located receptor. PRV exhibited significantly faster replication and deeper invasion compared to HSV-1 an

SUBMITTER: Van Crombrugge E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11558996 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature