IFITMs restrict the replication of multiple pathogenic viruses

Jill M Perreira1, Christopher R Chin, Eric M Feeley

  • 1Microbiology and Physiological Systems (MaPS) Department, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Albert Sherman Center 8 1001, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.

Insights

Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITM) are key antiviral proteins that restrict viruses like influenza and Ebola. This review details IFITM

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The interferon-inducible transmembrane protein (IFITM) family plays a crucial role in innate immunity.
  • IFITM proteins are known to restrict a broad spectrum of viruses, including influenza A virus, dengue virus, hepatitis C virus, and Ebola virus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the molecular determinants of IFITM proteins.
  • To explore the potential mechanisms by which IFITM proteins exert their antiviral activity.
  • To discuss the impact of IFITM proteins on viral pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of studies investigating IFITM protein structure and function.
  • Synthesis of data on viral restriction mechanisms and pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies have identified key molecular features of IFITM proteins responsible for antiviral activity.
  • Multiple mechanisms of action are proposed, including membrane disruption and interference with viral entry.
  • IFITM proteins significantly influence the pathogenesis of various viral infections.

Conclusions:

  • IFITM proteins represent a critical host defense mechanism against a wide range of viruses.
  • Further research into IFITM molecular biology and antiviral mechanisms holds promise for therapeutic strategies.
  • Understanding IFITM's role in pathogenesis is vital for controlling viral diseases.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria01:10

Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria

Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a virus that...
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...