Which cell surface receptor does poliovirus primarily use to enter human cells?

• A. CD4
• B. CD155 (polio receptor, PVR)
• C. ACE2
• D. GLUT1

Answer: (B)

Poliovirus entry relies on a specific cell-surface receptor. The virus binds to CD155, also known as the poliovirus receptor (PVR). This interaction enables tight attachment and triggers uptake into the cell, allowing the viral genome to reach the cytoplasm for replication. CD155 is expressed in a variety of cell types, including neurons, which helps explain the virus’s neurotropic effects. When a cell lacks CD155, poliovirus binding and entry are greatly reduced, limiting infection.

Other proteins listed serve different roles: CD4 is used by HIV to enter T cells, ACE2 is the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and GLUT1 is a glucose transporter not used as the primary poliovirus receptor.