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Role of Multifunctional Cytoskeletal Filaments in Coronaviridae Infections: Therapeutic Opportunities for COVID-19 in

Victor Norris1, Judit Ovádi2

  • 1Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont Saint Aignan, France.

Cells
|August 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19, presents treatment challenges. Understanding its interaction with host cells, particularly the cytoskeleton, is key to developing effective therapies against this novel coronavirus.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Limited data exist on effective treatments and prevention strategies for SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging mutants.
  • The rapid spread and severe health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 necessitate further research into its mechanisms of action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cytoskeleton-related physiological and pathological processes involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To highlight the critical role of understanding host cell subversion mechanisms for drug target validation.
  • To contribute to the development of effective pharmacological and immunological treatments for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on SARS-CoV-2 and its interaction with the host cell cytoskeleton.
  • Analysis of existing data on viral pathogenesis and host-cell subversion.
  • Synthesis of information on current and developing therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are intimately involved in cytoskeleton-related processes within host cells.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for identifying specific drug targets.
  • Despite challenges posed by new mutants, research is advancing understanding of pandemic responses and treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Elucidating the precise mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 subverts host cells is critical for developing targeted therapies.
  • Continued research into the virus-host cell interplay, especially concerning the cytoskeleton, will aid in combating COVID-19 and future viral threats.
  • Advancements in understanding pandemics are driving the development of diverse treatment modalities.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2cytoskeletondrug targetsfilaments

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