Phase One: Entering the Cell

Main parts = Attachment and Fusion

Phase 1 Background:

----- Main process -----

Viruses can enter the cell in a variety of ways. But, on the most basic level, the entry process has two parts: (1) ATTACHMENT, and (2) FUSION. Each part is directed by viral proteins, typically a glycoprotein (for attachment) and a fusion protein (for fusion).

All viruses contain various surface proteins on their capsid and envelope. Attachment proteins in the capsid or glycoproteins embedded in the envelope facilitate attachment to cell membrane receptors and fusion with the cell membrane's phospholipid bilayer. After attachment and fusion, the virus is able to enter the host cell. During the entry process, it manipulates body cells and immune cells into accepting it as a needed material for cell and body function. The cell's failure to recognize and fight the virus upon entry allows the virus to proceed to its replication and infection process.

----- NOTE -----

Below are the most basic methods through which the virus can enter the cell. Virus virion and genomic structure plays a significant role in determining specifically how it attaches, fuses, changes conformation, and cleaves, to manipulate the cell.