Typically, when a virus infects a host, it is first recognized by the host's innate immune system through molecular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including C-type lectin receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLR), NOD-like receptors (NLR) and RIG-I-like receptors (RLR).
Kwa ujumla, baada ya virusi kumvamia anayevibeba, kwanza vinatambuliwa na mfumo wa kinga ya mwili usiohai wa anayevibeba kupitia vipokezi vya kutambua ruwaza (PRR) ikiwa ni pamoja na vitambuzi vya C-type vya aina ya lectin, vitambuzi vya aina ya Toll (TLR), vitambuzi aina ya NOD (NLR), na vitambuzi vya aina ya RIG-I (RLR).