During a viral infection, a multitude of cellular factors come into play. The initial challenge that viruses must overcome is gaining access to the intracellular compartment. The infection process starts when viral particles contact the host cell surface. A complex sequence of events ensues, with the diffusion at the cell surface, receptor binding, signaling, internalization, and ultimately, the delivery of the genetic material. In this seminar, we will delve into the mechanisms of virus entry into host cells. Our exploration will be grounded in an analysis of early virus-host cell interactions using the bunyaviruses Rift Valley fever, Toscana, Uukuniemi, and Germiston viruses. Bunyavirales is the largest order of RNA viruses, with over 400 members worldwide which infect a large range of hosts, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Several cause severe diseases in both livestock and humans. The discussion will involve state-of-the-art fluorescence detection-based methodologies in both fixed and live cells, encompassing microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorimetry.

Pierre-Yves Lozach is invited by Florence Niedergang.