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Published on: June 5, 2021
Comparison of Cell Fusions Induced by Influenza Virus and SARS-CoV-2
Chuyuan Zhang1, Xinjie Meng1,2, Hanjun Zhao1,2,3
1Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Virus-cell fusion is the key step for viral infection in host cells. Studies on virus binding and fusion with host cells are important for understanding the virus-host interaction and viral pathogenesis for the discovery of antiviral drugs. In this review, we focus on the virus-cell fusions induced by the two major pandemic viruses, including the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. We further compare the cell fusions induced by the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, especially the pH-dependent fusion of the influenza virus and the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 in the type-II transmembrane serine protease 2 negative (TMPRSS2-) cells with syncytia formation. Finally, we present the development of drugs used against SARA-CoV-2 and the influenza virus through the discovery of anti-fusion drugs and the prevention of pandemic respiratory viruses.
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