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Budding of a Retrovirus: Some Assemblies Required.
Kevin M Rose1, Vanessa M Hirsch1, Fadila Bouamr1
1Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Rockville, MD 20894, USA.
Viruses
|October 23, 2020
Summary
Retroviruses hijack cellular Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRTs) machinery, including the ALIX protein, to assemble and release new viral particles. This process is crucial for viral replication and dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Viral replication relies on progeny virion production, a process occurring at the plasma membrane.
- Retroviruses utilize L domains to recruit host factors for efficient virion assembly and release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on how ESCRT machinery and ALIX facilitate retroviral dissemination.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of ESCRT-mediated viral assembly.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on retroviral assembly and ESCRT function.
- Analysis of molecular interactions between viral Gag polyproteins, ESCRT components, and ALIX.
Main Results:
- ESCRT machinery, including ALIX, is co-opted by retroviral Gag polyproteins.
- ESCRTs play a critical role in viral particle assembly and the release of infectious virions.
- Specific molecular details of ESCRT-mediated viral release are being uncovered.
Conclusions:
- ESCRT proteins and ALIX are essential host factors hijacked by retroviruses for progeny virion production.
- Understanding these interactions provides insights into viral lifecycle and potential therapeutic targets.
- This review highlights the intricate relationship between viruses and host cellular machinery.
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