The application of pseudotyped viruses based on vesicular stomatitis virus (Rhabdoviridae, Vesiculovirus) in order to study the interaction of viruses with cells.

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.