The size effect of receptor-mediated endocytosis

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is an important approach that the viruses enter the host cells. A simple energy principle model is developed and the Hertz contact theory is used to calculate the elastic deformation energy of the cytoskeleton during endocytosis. Some results, such as the optimal virus radius, the critical ligand-receptor binding energy density and the upper and low limits of the virus radius, can be obtained according to this model. The research about the size effect on receptor-mediated endocytosis can help us to design the more logical size of drug carrier.