Fig. 6. Free-energy landscape describing the first binding steps of MuHV-4 and gp150⁻ to cell surfaces.

(Left) After landing on the cell surface, the HV particle binds to GAGs. gp150 acts as a binding regulator by maintaining the number of foothold low, enabling the virus to diffuse laterally to seek for specific receptors. (Right) gp150⁻ virion lacking this regulatory element increases its adhesion to cellular surfaces, preventing the virus from lateral diffusion. The multiples bonds, preventing the virus from lateral diffusion and release, kinetically and thermodynamically stabilize the virus.