Host cell entry of respiratory syncytial virus involves macropinocytosis followed by proteolytic activation of the F protein.

ABSTRACT: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly pathogenic member of the Paramyxoviridae that causes severe respiratory tract infections. Reports in the literature have indicated that to infect cells the incoming viruses either fuse their envelope directly with the plasma membrane or exploit clathrin-mediated endocytosis. To study the entry process in human tissue culture cells (HeLa, A549), we used fluorescence microscopy and developed quantitative, FACS-based assays to follow virus binding to cells, endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, membrane fusion, and infection. A variety of perturbants were employed to characterize the cellular processes involved. We found that immediately after binding to cells RSV activated a signaling cascade involving the EGF receptor, Cdc42, PAK1, and downstr

SUBMITTER: Krzyzaniak MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3623752 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature