Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 entry into host cells via caveola-mediated endocytosis

Although Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) causes serious fish epidemics worldwide, the detailed mechanism of CyHV-2 entry into host cells remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively investigated the mechanism of CyHV-2 entry into Carassius auratus gibelio caudal fin cell line (GiCF) cells. This study demonstrated CyHV-2 enters GiCF cells via a low pH, dynamin, caveolin-1, cholesterol, and caveola-mediated endocytosis. Following endocytosis, CyHV-2 is transported to late endosomes in a Rab7- and microtubule-dependent manner. The characterization of CyHV-2 entry will further advance the understanding of Cyprinivirus cellular entry pathways and provide novel targets for antiviral drug against CyHV-2 infection.