Replication of Alphaviruses: A Review on the Entry Process of Alphaviruses into Cells

Figure 2

Alphavirus life-cycle. Alphavirus entry into cells is initiated by receptor-binding, followed by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Fusion to endosomal membranes transports nucleocapsid (NC) into the cytoplasm, where RNA is released after disassembly. Genomic RNA is used for both translation of proteins from genomic and subgenomic (26S) RNA, and transcription of nascent (+)RNA via a (−)RNA template. The structural proteins translated from 26S RNA encapsidate nascent genomic RNA before budding from cells, and eventual release.