A role for heparan sulfate in viral surfing

Heparan sulfate (HS) moieties on cell surfaces are known to provide attachment sites for many viruses including herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) Here, we demonstrate that cells respond to HSV-1 infection by enhancing filopodia formation Filopodia express HS and are Subsequently utilized for the transport of HSV-1 virions to cell bodies in a surfing-like phenomenon, which is facilitated by the underlying actin cytoskeleton and is regulated by transient activation of a small Rho GTPase. Cdc42. We also demonstrate that interaction between a highly conserved herpesvirus envelope glycoprotein B (gB) and HS is required for surfing. A HSV-1 Mutant that lacks gB falls to surf and quantum clots conjugated with gB demonstrate surfing-like movements Our data demonstrates a novel use of a common receptor, HS, which Could also be exploited by Multiple viruses and quite possibly, many additional ligands for transport along the plasma membrane (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.