Rabies virus receptors

Abstract

Rabies virus is a neurotropic agent that causes a lethal nervous system infection. Neurotropism and pathogenesis of rabies infection have been extensively investigated to track its progressive role in the host lethal outcome in order to propose new antiviral strategies. Viral neurotropism is defined by specific binding of virus to neuron membrane molecules that promote infection in nervous cells. Several molecules (including proteins, complex lipids and carbohydrates) have been described to act as rabies virus receptors. Some evidence implicates ganglioside and phospholipid participation in attachment of virus to cells: in addition, rabies virus entry into the neurons is associated with involvement of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, neural cell adhesion molecule and low affinity neurotrophin receptor. Experimental data that indicate the participation of these molecules in rabies viral neurotropism are presented, along with their implications.