Septins in Infections: Focus on Viruses

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Septins are a family of 13 conserved GTP-binding proteins in humans.
• They function as cytoskeletal elements, interacting with actin and microtubules, and binding to membranes.
• Septins are involved in diverse cellular processes like cytokinesis, motility, and vesicle transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the known functions of human septins in viral infections.
• To discuss the implications of septins in the replication cycles of significant public health viruses.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding specific septin roles in viral pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published data on septins and viral infections.
• Focus on viruses including vaccinia virus (VACV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), influenza A virus (H1N1, H5N1), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), and Zika virus (ZIKV).

Main Results:

• Septin dysfunction is linked to human pathologies such as neurodegeneration and tumorigenesis.
• Septins influence host-microbe interactions, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections.
• Limited data exists on the precise function of individual septins in different stages of viral infection and replication.

Conclusions:

• Septins play a role in host-pathogen interactions, particularly in viral infections.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of septins in viral replication and pathogenesis.
• Understanding septin involvement could offer new therapeutic strategies against viral diseases.