Figure 3. Mechanisms of viral entry into cancer cells.
Oncolytic viruses utilize several mechanisms to enter host cells, including cell surface receptors that are frequently overexpressed on cancer cells. Some viruses are able to via more than one receptor and some receptors can promote the entry of more than one type of virus. Some viruses use endocytosis through membrane fusion and syncytia formation to enter cells. Certain oncolytic viruses are known to preferentially target cancer cells but the cell surface receptor for entry has not been identified. CAR, coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptor; DAF, decay accelerating factor; HVEM1, herpesvirus entry mediator 1; ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1; LDLR, low-density lipoprotein receptor; NDV, Newcastle disease virus; SARs, sialic acid receptors; SLAM, signalling lymphocytic activation molecule; VSV, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).