Mechanisms of endocytosis utilized by viruses during infection

Viruses, despite being relatively simple in structure and composition, have evolved a broad spectrum of mechanisms to exploit the host cell. To initiate effective infection, viruses or viral genomes have to enter cells. Recently studies have shown that apart from the direct fusion at the plasma membrane, endocytosis is more often the preferred means of entry into the host cell. Endocytosis is a complex phenomenon, that includes multiple pathways of membrane trafficking, such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolin-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis and phagocytosis. Endosomes offer a convenient and often rapid transit system across the plasma membrane and cytoplasm via the cellular microtubular network. They also provide protection to the virus from detection by the host's innate immune defences. What is important, viruses are able to utilize not just one, but multiple uptake routes. Identification of these processes and factors will not only allow a better insight into pathogenic mechanism, but may identify novel targets for future therapeutic development. This review provides insight on recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of viral entry.