A Dynamic, Supramolecular View on the Multivalent Interaction between Influenza Virus and Host Cell

Understanding how influenza viruses traverse the mucus and recognize host cells is critical for evaluating their zoonotic potential, prevention treatment of disease. The surface A virus covered with receptor-binding protein hemagglutinin receptor-cleaving enzyme neuraminidase, which jointly control interactions between cell. These proteins are organized in closely spaced trimers tetramers to facilitate multivalent sialic acid-terminated glycans. This review shows that individually weak allow superselective binding, virus-induced recruitment receptors, formation dynamic complexes molecular walking. Techniques measure avidity receptor specificity reviewed, pivotal role emergent properties crossing entering discussed. model proposed initiation cell entry through clustering. maintained a regime by functional balance binding cleaving.