(A) P-1, Q-3, R-2, S-4

(B) P-3, Q-4, R-1, S-2

(C) P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1

(D) P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4

Introduction

Understanding how viruses enter host cells is a high-yield topic in competitive biology exams such as NEET, CSIR-NET, GATE, and AIIMS.
In this article, we solve the question “Match the viruses in Group I with their host cell receptors in Group II” by explaining the correct biological interactions, followed by a detailed evaluation of each option.

Correct Virus–Receptor Matching

1. Hepatitis A Virus → Alpha-2 Macroglobulin

• Hepatitis A virus enters hepatocytes by interacting with alpha-2 macroglobulin receptors.

• These receptors help in viral attachment and internalization.

• Correct match: P-4

2. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) → CD4 Protein

• HIV specifically binds to CD4 receptors present on T-helper lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

• This interaction is essential for viral entry and pathogenesis of AIDS.

• Correct match: Q-3

3. Rabies Virus → Acetylcholine Receptor

• Rabies virus targets neuromuscular junctions.

• It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, facilitating entry into nerve cells.

• Correct match: R-2

4. Herpes Simplex Virus Type I → Heparan Sulphate

• HSV-1 initially attaches to heparan sulphate proteoglycans on epithelial cells.

• This interaction allows membrane fusion and viral entry.

• Correct match: S-1

Final Correct Combination

✅ P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1

Option-Wise Explanation

Option (A): P-1, Q-3, R-2, S-4 ❌

• Hepatitis A does not bind heparan sulphate.

• HSV-1 does not use alpha-2 macroglobulin.

• ❌ Incorrect.

Option (B): P-3, Q-4, R-1, S-2 ❌

• HIV does not bind alpha-2 macroglobulin.

• Rabies virus does not bind heparan sulphate.

• ❌ Incorrect.

Option (C): P-4, Q-3, R-2, S-1 ✅

• All virus–receptor pairings are biologically accurate.

• ✅ Correct Answer.

Option (D): P-2, Q-3, R-1, S-4 ❌

• Hepatitis A does not bind acetylcholine receptors.

• Rabies virus does not bind heparan sulphate.

• ❌ Incorrect.

✔ Correct Answer

Option (C)

Quick Memory Tip

• HIV → CD4

• Rabies → Acetylcholine receptor

• HSV-1 → Heparan sulphate

• Hepatitis A → Alpha-2 macroglobulin