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Published on: March 1, 2019
[Entry process of enveloped viruses to host cells].
1AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640 Japan. Kosuke@nih.go.jp
Uirusu
|March 12, 2010
Summary
Viral fusion proteins initiate enveloped virus infection through conformational changes. Recent findings reveal complex entry pathways, including endocytosis for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), highlighting host factor importance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Enveloped viral infection initiation relies on membrane fusion mediated by viral fusion proteins.
- Viral entry mechanisms have been historically classified as pH-dependent or pH-independent.
- Emerging research indicates complex entry routes and the involvement of host factors.
Purpose:
- To review the general mechanisms of enveloped virus entry.
- To highlight recent advancements and current topics in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) entry.
Summary:
- Viral fusion proteins undergo conformational changes to mediate membrane fusion, a critical step in enveloped virus infection.
- While pH-dependent viruses typically fuse in endosomes and pH-independent viruses at the cell surface, some pH-independent viruses like HIV utilize endocytosis.
- Host factors, beyond cellular receptors, significantly influence viral entry.
Impact:
- Understanding viral entry mechanisms is crucial for developing antiviral therapies.
- This review provides insights into the dynamic and multifaceted nature of viral-host interactions.
- Focusing on HIV entry offers a model for studying complex viral infections.
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