Fibroblast growth factor receptor is a portal of cellular entry for herpes simplex virus type 1

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a ubiquitous pathogen responsible for considerable morbidity in the general population. The results presented herein establish the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor as a means of entry of HSV-1 into vertebrate cells. Inhibitors of basic FGF binding to its receptor and competitive polypeptide antagonists of basic FGF prevented HSV-1 uptake. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that do not express FGF receptors are resistant to HSV-1 entry; however, HSV-1 uptake is dramatically increased in CHO cells transfected with a complementary DNA encoding a basic FGF receptor. The distribution of this integral membrane protein in vivo may explain the tissue and cell tropism of HSV-1.