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Modification of intracellular membrane structures for virus replication

Sven Miller1, Jacomine Krijnse-Locker

  • 13-V Biosciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Schafmattstrasse 18, ETH Hoenggerberg, HPME 17, CH8093 Zurich, Switzerland. millersven@gmx.de

Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|April 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Viruses hijack host cell membranes for replication, inducing similar structures across diverse viral families. This study explores how viruses modify these membranes and the formation of these virus-induced structures.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites reliant on host machinery.
  • Viral replication often involves interactions with host cell cytoskeleton and membranes.
  • Specific viral families induce unique membrane modifications during infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe virus-induced intracellular membrane modifications.
  • To identify commonalities in membrane structures induced by different viral families.
  • To discuss potential mechanisms for the formation of these viral-induced membrane structures.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of viral replication strategies.
  • Comparative analysis of electron microscopy data from infected cells.
  • Bioinformatic analysis of viral proteins involved in membrane manipulation.

Main Results:

  • Viruses extensively remodel host intracellular membranes for replication.
  • Similar membrane proliferation structures are induced by unrelated plus-stranded RNA and DNA viruses.
  • These structures are proposed to serve as replication factories, concentrating viral and host factors.

Conclusions:

  • Viral manipulation of intracellular membranes is a conserved strategy across diverse viral families.
  • Understanding these virus-induced membrane structures provides insights into viral replication mechanisms.
  • Further research can elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms of membrane formation and viral assembly.

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