Alphaviruses articles from across Nature Portfolio

Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) serves as an entry receptor for Semliki Forest virus (SFV), but the ApoER2-mediated SFV entry mechanism remains unclear. Here, using cryo-EM and complementary approaches, the authors unveil a distinct LA5-dependent binding mode.

Mutation of positively charged binding sites on the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) E2 glycoprotein affects both heparan sulfate and protein receptor binding, identifying an unexpected linkage between engagement of these two receptor types.

PCDH10 is a general receptor for WEEV. This work reveals the structural basis of WEEV recognition by PCDH10 and provides a plausible explanation for the receptor shift occurring through WEEV strains.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infects humans and causes chronic arthritic diseases, yet information on CHIKV immune epitopes is still lacking. Here the authors stimulate peripheral blood cells from CHIKV patients with a peptide pool covering the full CHIKV proteome to define CD4 + T cell epitopes as well as to map cross-reactivity with closely related alphaviruses.

Alphaviruses infect their host by binding to cellular receptors and fusing with cell membranes. New studies define the receptor-binding protein of these viruses and its regulation of the membrane-fusion reaction. See Letters p.705 & p.709