When human guanylate-binding proteins meet viral infections

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Innate immunity serves as the primary defense against viral pathogens.
• Pattern recognition receptors detect viral components, initiating signaling cascades for type I interferons (IFN-I) and inflammatory cytokines.
• Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs), a family of guanosine triphosphatases, are induced by interferons and act as antiviral effectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) functions during viral infections.
• To elucidate the regulatory roles of GBPs in host antiviral innate immune signaling.
• To identify discrepancies in current findings and outline challenges for future research on GBPs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on GBPs in viral infections.
• Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying GBP functions in innate immunity.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and areas requiring further investigation.

Main Results:

• GBPs exhibit direct antiviral activities against certain viruses.
• Some GBPs play regulatory roles in the host's antiviral innate immune responses.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding the precise molecular mechanisms of GBPs in viral pathogenesis and immune signaling.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of GBPs' roles in antiviral immunity is limited.
• Further research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms and regulatory functions of GBPs.
• This review provides a foundation for future studies aimed at harnessing GBPs for antiviral strategies.