Cellular Receptors and their Associated Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Entry Designing Susceptible Cells: A review

Aghayan, Seyed Kiarash; Heydari, Mohammad Reza; Yousefkhany, Amir; Tarvedizadeh, Yousef; Mirzaei Nodooshan, Majid; Salimi Jeda, Ali; Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh, Hadi; Eslami Mahmoudabadi, Mostafa

doi:10.30491/jabr.2025.518549.1868

Cellular Receptors and their Associated Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Entry Designing Susceptible Cells: A review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Seyed Kiarash Aghayan ¹

Mohammad Reza Heydari ²

Amir Yousefkhany ²

Yousef Tarvedizadeh ³

Majid Mirzaei Nodooshan ¹

Ali Salimi Jeda ¹

Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh ¹

Mostafa Eslami Mahmoudabadi ⁴

¹ Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran

³ Biology Research Center, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Imam Hussein University, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Students Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.30491/jabr.2025.518549.1868

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, emerged in late 2019 and rapidly evolved into a significant global health crisis, impacting millions of individuals worldwide. Like other respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 depends on specific cellular receptors to infiltrate host cells and initiate the infection process. To effectively combat this virus, it is essential to thoroughly understand the intricate interactions between viral attachment factors and these cellular receptors. This analysis explores the various cellular receptors involved in the infection process of SARS-CoV-2 and examines the complex interactions between the virus and its host cells. We emphasize the critical components that facilitate the virus's entry into host cells and consider potential strategies to modify receptor expression, thereby enhancing susceptibility to infection. Gaining insights into these receptors and their associated components is vital for developing effective animal models, which can significantly aid in research efforts. Ultimately, this understanding will contribute to the creation of targeted therapeutic interventions and preventive measures against COVID-19 and similar viral infections.

Keywords

Cellular Receptors

Respiratory Viruses

SARS-Cov 2

Susceptible Cells