Competition for membrane receptors: norovirus detachment via lectin attachment

Virus internalization into the host cells occurs via multivalent interaction with laterally mobile receptor molecules in the plasma membrane. Because of analytical and experimental limitations this complex type of interaction is still poorly understood and quantified. Herein, the multivalent interaction of norovirus-like particles (noroVLPs) with H or B type 1 glycosphingolipid receptors embedded in a supported phospholipid bilayer is investigated by following the competition between noroVLPs and a lectin (from Ralstonia solanacearum) upon binding to these receptors. Changes in noroVLP and lectin coverage, caused by competition, were monitored for both receptor types and at different concentrations of the receptors using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, yielding information about i) the minimum receptor concentration needed for noroVLPs to achieve firm attachment to the bilayer prior to competition, and to ii) remain firmly attached to the bilayer during competition. We show that t...