Ebola Virus: Host Cell Entry Mechanisms, Immune Evasion Strategies, and Therapeutic Interventions

The Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly lethal pathogen responsible for Ebola virus disease (EVD), posing significant threats to global public health. This review examines the entry mechanisms, immune evasion strategies, and therapeutic advancements targeting EBOV. The virus infiltrates host cells via receptor-mediated binding, macrophage phagocytosis, and endosomal membrane fusion, processes that facilitate viral replication and subsequent disease progression. We analyze EBOV’s immune evasion tactics, particularly its suppression of innate and adaptive immune responses through viral proteins such as VP35 and soluble glycoprotein (sGP). Current therapeutic strategies are also discussed, including prophylactic vaccines (e.g., Ervebo® and Zabdeno®) that effectively prevent infection and monoclonal antibody therapies (e.g., ZMapp, Ebanga®, and INMAZEB®) undergoing clinical optimization. Despite progress in EBOV treatment, persistent challenges such as global inequities in vaccine distribution and development hinder effective disease control. Future research should prioritize elucidating host–pathogen interactions to refine therapeutic targets, developing broad-spectrum vaccines to address viral diversity, and enhancing international collaboration to ensure equitable access to treatments in resource-limited, outbreak-prone regions.