The Entry of Zika Virus into the Cells and Its Implication for Antiviral Therapy

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. It is an enveloped RNA virus that enters host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The interactions between viral proteins and particular receptors on the host cell surface is the initial step of the virus life cycle, which represents the key targets for antiviral therapeutic. Materials and Methods: This review highlights a variety of cell types infected by ZIKV, including human radial glial cells, endothelial cells, neural progenitor cells, astrocytes, microglia, and Sertoli cells. The cellular molecules involved in the entry process of ZIKV are detailed, and the advances in the development of chemical compounds and neutralizing antibodies targeting the ZIKV entry process are described. Results: The interactions of ZIKV with cellular molecules in various host cells during virus entry are reviewed, as the targets of the development of antiviral therapeutics. Conclusion: The entry of ZIKV into host cells involves complicated mechanisms, which remain to be further explored to facilitate the development of antiviral reagents.