Viral Pathogens

Classification of Viruses

Viruses are "obligatory intracellular parasites" that subvert the molecular machinery of host cells to replicate. Classification of viruses is based on several criteria:

Morphology- Viruses consist of a core of nucleic acid material which constitutes their genome and a protein-based coating or capsid.  An additionally lipoprotein bilayer surrounds some viruses and is the basis for their classification as enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Based on capsid shape, viruses may be classified as filamentous or helical (e.g., plant viruses-TMV and animal viruses such as rabies virus), icosahedral (e.g., human pathogens such as adenoviruses and Hepatitis A virus), and complex such as “head and tail viruses” (e.g., bacteriophages) and pleomorphic viruses (e.g., Ebola virus).

Genomic composition- The viral genome together with surrounding proteins constitutes the nucleocapsid. Viral genetic material may be encoded by RNA or DNA which may be single (ss) or double stranded (ds). The genomic material in ssRNA viruses may consist of a positive sense or negative sense strand.

Replication Mechanism- Depending on the nature of their genome, viruses rely on different mechanisms for mRNA synthesis. The Baltimore classification, conceived by and named after virologist David Baltimore, classifies viruses based on their genome composition and replication mechanisms.  Seven different groups are recognized under this system:  Group 1- Double stranded DNA, Group 2- Single stranded (+) sense DNA, Group 3- Double stranded RNA, Group 4- Single stranded (+) sense RNA, Group 5- Single stranded (-) sense stranded RNA-, Group 6- Single stranded (+) sense RNA with DNA intermediate- (Retro-transcribing), Group 7- Double stranded DNA with RNA intermediate (Retro-transcribing).

Viral Entry

Mechanisms of cell entry differ between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. For cell entry, the lipid bilayer of enveloped viruses fuses directly with the host cell’s plasma membrane or endosomal membrane. This process is mediated by the interaction of envelope viral proteins with key cellular receptors. Fusion via the endocytic compartment is a common mechanism for host cell entry used by a variety of viruses including alphaviruses (e.g., mosquito-borne chikungunya virus), flaviviruses (e.g., dengue and zika viruses), orthomyxoviruses (e.g., influenza viruses), and rhabdoviruses (e.g., rabies virus). In contrast, non-enveloped viruses rely on capsid proteins which bridge the plasma or endosomal membrane (e.g., pore formation) allowing viral genome entry. In addition to endosomal entry, non-enveloped viruses may bridge other internal cellular membranes including the Golgi (e.g., papillomavirus) and ER (e.g., SV40).

Viral Attachment Factors and Entry Receptors

Initial viral-cell contact or attachment is mediated by electrostatic interactions between viral proteins and host surface carbohydrate groups (e.g., glycosaminoglycan groups such as heparan sulphate and sialic acid). Binding to specific receptors follows initial weaker interactions with the host cell membrane and leads to viral protein processing and cellular signaling. The receptors engaged by a specific virus determine its internalization path.

Entry Receptors for Major Human Viral Pathogens

Viral host cell entry is a multistep process involving a number of cellular attachment factors, receptors, and proteases. For some viruses, a predominant entry receptor has been identified (e.g., SARS coronavirus ACE-2 receptor). However, identification of a unique entry receptor remains challenging for important human viral pathogens including Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV).

Identifying Viral Entry Mechanisms

Elucidating viral entry mechanisms often relies on the use of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific molecules or events in the endocytic pathway. Small molecule inhibitors present various advantages including ease of acute application and potential reversibility of effects. A main disadvantage to chemical manipulation of endocytic pathways is the potential for generalized disruption of endocytosis or other cellular processes. Therefore, combined use of chemical inhibitors with other approaches such as targeted genetic manipulation of endocytic relevant targets is recommended.

What are Neutralizing Antibodies?

During an adaptive immune response against viral pathogens or following vaccination, generation of neutralizing antibodies represents the best indicator of protection. Neutralizing antibodies by definition are those able to target specific surface viral antigens and block the virus replication cycle at an early stage, prior to transcription and translation events. Viral neutralization may occur through different mechanisms including inhibition of attachment, receptor or co-receptor binding, and blockade of viral-cellular membrane fusion or cell membrane penetration. Neutralization events may occur by inhibition of interactions at the host cell surface or within the endosomal compartment. Additionally, some neutralizing antibodies may induce viral aggregation leading to reduced infectivity.