How HPV-16 Uses Actin to Enter Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Schelhaas Mario, Ewers Helge, Rajamäki Minna-Liisa, Day Patricia M., Schiller John T., Helenius Ari
Primary Institution: Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Does human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) utilize actin retrograde flow for its entry into host cells?
Conclusion
HPV-16 is transported along actin-rich protrusions to enhance its infection efficiency.
Supporting Evidence
- HPV-16 particles were observed moving along actin-rich protrusions on HeLa cells.
- The directed movement of HPV-16 was sensitive to inhibitors of actin retrograde flow.
- Transport along actin protrusions significantly enhanced HPV-16 infection in sparse tissue culture.
- Directed motion was most prominent on finger-like cell protrusions such as filopodia.
Takeaway
HPV-16 uses tiny finger-like structures on cells to move closer to the cell's center, helping it get inside and cause infection.
Methodology
The study used single particle tracking and fluorescence microscopy to analyze the movement of HPV-16 on HeLa cells.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on HeLa cells, which may not fully represent the behavior of HPV-16 in natural keratinocytes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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