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IFITM Genes, Variants, and Their Roles in the Control and Pathogenesis of Viral Infections

Xuesen Zhao1,2, Jiarui Li1,2, Cheryl A Winkler3

  • 1Institute of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 29, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are key antiviral proteins that block viral entry and replication. Genetic variations in IFITM genes influence viral infection severity and outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are membrane-bound proteins crucial for innate immunity.
  • IFITM proteins restrict viral infections by inhibiting viral entry and progeny virion infectivity.
  • Viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade or exploit IFITM-mediated antiviral activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the antiviral functions of IFITM proteins.
  • To discuss the impact of genetic variations in IFITM genes on viral infections.
  • To highlight the complex interplay between IFITMs and viruses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on IFITM protein function and genetics.
  • Analysis of research on viral evasion strategies targeting IFITMs.
  • Examination of genetic variations (SNPs) in IFITM genes and their clinical associations.

Main Results:

  • IFITM proteins act at the plasma and endolysosomal membranes to block viral fusion and assembly.
  • Accelerated evolution of IFITM genes in vertebrates suggests strong selective pressure from pathogens.
  • Human IFITM gene polymorphisms are linked to variations in viral infection severity, including influenza A.

Conclusions:

  • IFITMs are critical host factors in antiviral defense, with significant implications for viral pathogenesis.
  • Understanding IFITM-viral interactions and the role of genetic variation is essential for developing therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing IFITM function and viral interactions in vivo.
Keywords:
IFITMhost susceptibilityinterferon-induced transmembrane proteinssingle nucleotide polymorphismsviral infection

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