Epstein-Barr Virus Receptor:
The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) receptor is a cellular membrane protein that allows the Epstein-Barr virus to enter and infect host cells. It serves as the binding site or attachment factor for EBV particles, facilitating their entry into susceptible cells and subsequent virus replication.
The Epstein-Barr virus, also known as human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4), is a common herpes virus that infects a large proportion of the human population worldwide. It is primarily transmitted through saliva and infects B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell in the immune system.
The receptor for Epstein-Barr Virus is often referred to as CD21, which is short for Cluster of Differentiation 21. CD21 is a surface protein found on various cell types, including B cells and epithelial cells, that acts as the primary receptor for EBV.
Upon exposure to EBV particles, the viral glycoprotein gp350/220 binds with CD21 on the host cell surface, thereby initiating the infection process. This interaction is crucial for EBV to attach to and penetrate the susceptible host cells, allowing the virus to establish infection and cause diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, lymphoproliferative disorders, and various types of cancer.
Understanding the function and role of the Epstein-Barr Virus receptor is essential for studying the mechanisms of EBV infection, developing antiviral therapies, and designing vaccines to prevent or control EBV-related diseases.
