👉 An adapter, in the context of infection, refers to a molecule that facilitates the entry of pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, into host cells. Adaptors are proteins on the surface of host cells that act as intermediaries, binding to specific molecules on the pathogen's surface, known as adapters or ligands. This interaction is crucial for the pathogen to attach and gain entry into the cell, often through endocytosis or membrane fusion processes. By hijacking these cellular pathways, adaptors enable the pathogen to bypass the cell's natural defenses and initiate infection, making them key targets for developing therapeutic interventions aimed at blocking infection.
