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Updated: Oct 6, 2025

In Vitro SUMOylation Assay to Study SUMO E3 Ligase Activity
Published on: January 29, 2018
SUMOylation in Viral Replication and Antiviral Defense
Yao Fan1,2, Xiang Li3, Lei Zhang4
1Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
Abstract:
SUMOylation is a ubiquitination-like post-translational modification that plays an essential role in the regulation of protein function. Recent studies have shown that proteins from both RNA and DNA virus families can be modified by SUMO conjugation, which facilitates viral replication. Viruses can manipulate the entire process of SUMOylation through interplay with the SUMO pathway. By contrast, SUMOylation can eliminate viral infection by regulating host antiviral immune components. A deeper understanding of how SUMOylation regulates viral proteins and cellular antiviral components is necessary for the development of effective antiviral therapies. In the present review, the regulatory mechanism of SUMOylation in viral replication and infection and the antiviral immune response, and the consequences of this regulation for viral replication and engagement with antiviral innate immunity are summarized. The potential therapeutic applications of SUMOylation in diseases caused by viruses are also discussed.
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