Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) receptors refer to the specific molecules or cellular structures that the EBV attaches to on the surface of host cells in order to gain entry and initiate infection. Receptors play a critical role in the interaction between viruses and host cells, as they determine which cells the virus is capable of infecting.
In the case of the Epstein-Barr virus, the virus primarily infects B lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. The receptors on the surface of these cells that facilitate EBV entry have been extensively studied and characterized.
One of the main receptors for EBV is CD21, also known as complement receptor 2 (CR2). CD21 is a protein that is predominantly found on the surface of B cells and plays a role in activating the immune response. It acts as a receptor for complement component C3d, but also has a binding site for the viral envelope protein gp350/220 of EBV. This interaction allows the virus to attach to the B cell, triggering a cascade of events that enable viral entry into the cell.
In addition to CD21, other receptors may also be involved in the infection process, including HLA class II molecules and integrins. These receptors, along with CD21, allow the Epstein-Barr virus to specifically target and infect B lymphocytes, leading to the establishment of a latent infection that can persist in the body for life.
In summary, Epstein-Barr virus receptors are the specific cellular structures or molecules that the virus binds to on the surface of host cells, facilitating viral entry and infection. These receptors, such as CD21, play a crucial role in determining the tropism (cellular target) of the virus and ultimately influencing the course of infection and disease
