Early events during human coronavirus OC43 entry to the cell

Sci Rep. 2018 May 8;8(1):7124. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-25640-0.

Abstract

The Coronaviridae family clusters a number of large RNA viruses, which share several structural and functional features. However, members of this family recognize different cellular receptors and exploit different entry routes, what affects their species specificity and virulence. The aim of this study was to determine how human coronavirus OC43 enters the susceptible cell. Using confocal microscopy and molecular biology tools we visualized early events during infection. We found that the virus employs caveolin-1 dependent endocytosis for the entry and the scission of virus-containing vesicles from the cell surface is dynamin-dependent. Furthermore, the vesicle internalization process requires actin cytoskeleton rearrangements. With our research we strove to broaden the understanding of the infection process, which in future may be beneficial for the development of a potential therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / genetics
  • Caveolin 1 / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Clathrin / genetics
  • Coronavirus Infections / genetics*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Coronavirus OC43, Human / genetics*
  • Coronavirus OC43, Human / pathogenicity
  • Dynamins / genetics
  • Endocytosis / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Species Specificity
  • Virulence / genetics
  • Virus Internalization*

Substances

  • Caveolin 1
  • Clathrin
  • Dynamins