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Polyamines and Their Role in Virus Infection
Bryan C Mounce1, Michelle E Olsen2, Marco Vignuzzi3
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews : MMBR
|September 15, 2017
Summary
Polyamines are vital molecules in mammalian cells, crucial for viral replication. Blocking polyamine synthesis shows promise as a broad-spectrum antiviral strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polyamines are essential aliphatic molecules in all mammalian cells, regulating nucleic acid conformation, proliferation, and signaling.
- Polyamines play a significant role in virus-host interactions, with many viruses requiring them for replication.
- Viral replication processes dependent on polyamines include DNA/RNA polymerization, nucleic acid packaging, and protein synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms by which viruses depend on polyamines.
- To investigate the potential of blocking polyamine synthesis as a broad-spectrum antiviral approach.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on polyamine roles in viral replication.
- Examination of small-molecule inhibitors of polyamine synthesis.
- Analysis of interferon-induced regulators of polyamines.
Main Results:
- Polyamines are indispensable for multiple stages of the viral life cycle.
- Inhibiting polyamine synthesis presents a viable strategy against viral infections.
Conclusions:
- Polyamines are critical cofactors for viral replication across various viruses.
- Targeting polyamine synthesis offers a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral therapies.
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