Understanding Viral-Glycocalyx Interactions Using Brush-Linked to Cross-Linked Models.

The interaction of viruses with cells is mediated by the glycocalyx, a ubiquitous cell coating layer. Here, we present a study of the effects of the cellular glycocalyx, a complex outer cell structure, on viral internalization. Using both simulations and experiments, we have shown that the structure of the glycocalyx, specifically the number of cross-links within it, can greatly influence the ability of a virus to infect a cell. We show that the presence of the glycocalyx plays a direct role in viral internalization, and targeting the glycocalyx can be a potential avenue for future therapies. Overall, by comparison with experimental results, we conclude that a brush-like glycocalyx model is the more appropriate computational model compared to its partially cross-linked versions.