How Do Enveloped Viruses Exploit the Secretory Proprotein Convertases to Regulate Infectivity and Spread?

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Enveloped viruses require surface glycoprotein processing for host cell entry.
• Proprotein Convertases (PCSK) are serine proteases involved in post-translational modifications.
• Furin and SKI-1/S1P are key PCSKs processing viral glycoproteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize PCSK functions in viral infections.
• To present inhibition of PCSKs as a potential antiviral strategy.
• To highlight PCSK inhibition for pandemic preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on PCSK functions and viral processing.
• Analysis of the role of specific PCSKs (Furin, SKI-1/S1P, PCSK9) in viral infections.
• Discussion of the potential of PCSK inhibitors as antivirals.

Main Results:

• Furin processes SARS-CoV-2 spike protein; inhibitors are in clinical trials for COVID-19.
• SKI-1/S1P is crucial for arenavirus activation, as shown by Stefan Kunz's work.
• PCSK9 is implicated in Dengue virus infection.

Conclusions:

• PCSK inhibition is a promising strategy against enveloped viruses.
• Targeting PCSKs can provide broad-spectrum antiviral therapies.
• This approach is vital for managing current and future viral pandemics.