Problems of VirologyProblems of VirologyВопросы вирусологии0507-40882411-2097Central Research Institute for Epidemiology1682910.36233/0507-4088-360bnqvmeREVIEWSОБЗОРЫReview ArticleThe application of pseudotyped viruses based on vesicular stomatitis virus (Rhabdoviridae, Vesiculovirus) in order to study the interaction of viruses with cellsПрименение псевдотипированных частиц на основе вируса везикулярного стоматита (Rhabdoviridae, Vesiculovirus) с целью изучения взаимодействия вирусов с клеткамиhttps://orcid.org/0009-0005-1988-2853AkimovNikita O.АкимовНикита Олегович
Russian Federation

Junior Researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Pathogens

младший научный сотрудник лаборатории молекулярной генетики патогенных микроорганизмов

akimovchrn@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8730-4872DolgovaAnna S.ДолговаАнна Сергеевна
Russian Federation

Ph.D. (Biology), Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Pathogens

канд. биол. наук, заведующая лабораторией молекулярной генетики патогенных микроорганизмов

annadolgova@inbox.ruSaint-Petersburg Pasteur InstituteФБУН «Санкт-Петербургский научно-исследовательский институт эпидемиологии и микробиологии им. Пастера» Федеральной службы по надзору в сфере защиты прав потребителей и благополучия человека (Роспотребнадзор)23032026711132014112025Copyright ©; 2026, Akimov N.O., Dolgova A.S.Copyright ©; 2026, Акимов Н.О., Долгова А.С.2026Akimov N.O., Dolgova A.S.Акимов Н.О., Долгова А.С.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0https://virusjour.crie.ru/jour/article/view/16829

Investigating the mechanisms of viral attachment and entry into cells is crucial for understanding viral pathogenesis and developing therapeutic strategies. The aim of this review is to characterize pseudo-typed particles based on the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) as a convenient and effective tool for studying viral entry into cells, based on literature data (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), and to determine the prospects for combining this method with genetic and protein-based approaches.

VSV, a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, has a remarkable capacity for pseudotyping, which involves the replacement of its native glycoprotein (G) with envelope proteins from other viruses. This feature enables the modeling of the cell entry process without the need for wild-type viruses. The VSV genome is modified by deleting the G gene and incorporating reporter genes (e.g., GFP or luciferase), thereby facilitating the quantitative assessment of infectivity.

The methodology for generating pseudoviruses involves a two-plasmid cotransfection system in cell lines (e.g., HEK293T), with plasmids encoding the VSV structural proteins and the target viral envelope proteins. The advantages of the VSV system include high particle titers, rapid reporter signal manifestation, and the feasibility of work under Biosafety Level 2 conditions. However, limitations are associated with differences in the distribution of viral proteins on the surface of pseudoviruses compared to native virions, necessitating additional data validation. Conclusion. Methods for analyzing virus-cell interactions were studied, such as Virus Overlay Protein Binding Assay (VOPBA), RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout, and gene overexpression. These approaches allow for the identification of cellular receptors, investigation of specific protein functions, and assessment of the impact of mutations. Future prospects for the application of VSV pseudoviruses include screening viral entry inhibitors, analyzing antibody neutralization, and vaccine development. Despite technical limitations, pseudotyped particles remain an indispensable tool for studying highly pathogenic and fastidious viruses. For the present review, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.

Изучение механизмов прикрепления и проникновения вирусов в клетки является критически важным для понимания их патогенеза и разработки терапевтических стратегий.

Цель обзора – на основании литературных данных (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) охарактеризовать псевдотипированные частицы на основе ВВС как удобный и действенный инструмент для исследования вирусного входа в клетку, а также определить перспективы сочетания этого метода с генетическими и белковыми подходами.

ВВС, относящийся к семейству Rhabdoviridae, обладает важной способностью к псевдотипированию – замене собственного гликопротеина (G) на поверхностные белки других вирусов. Эта особенность позволяет моделировать процесс инфицирования клеток без использования вирусов дикого типа. Геном ВВС модифицируется путем удаления гена G и введения репортерных генов (например, GFP или люциферазы), что упрощает количественную оценку инфекционности. Методология создания псевдовирусов включает двухэтапную систему котрансфекции клеточных линий (например, HEK293T) плазмидами, кодирующими структурные белки ВВС и целевые белки оболочки изучаемых вирусов. Преимущества системы ВВС включают высокий титр частиц, быстрое проявление репортерных сигналов и возможность работы в условиях биобезопасности уровня II. Однако ограничения связаны с различиями в распределении вирусных белков на поверхности псевдовирусов и нативных вирионов, что требует дополнительной валидации данных.

Заключение. Изучены методы анализа взаимодействий «вирус–клетка», такие как VOPBA, РНК-интерференция, CRISPR/Cas9-нокаут и сверхэкспрессия генов. Эти подходы позволяют идентифицировать клеточные рецепторы, изучать роль конкретных белков и оценивать влияние мутаций. Перспективы применения псевдовирусов ВВС включают скрининг ингибиторов проникновения вирусов в клетки, анализ нейтрализации антител и разработку вакцин. Несмотря на технические ограничения, псевдотипированные частицы остаются незаменимым инструментом для изучения высокопатогенных и труднокультивируемых вирусов.

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