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Updated: Aug 17, 2025
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Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
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Modulation of mitochondria by viral proteins
Reshu Saxena1, Priyanka Sharma2, Sandeep Kumar1
1Immuno-biology Lab, Infection and Immunology Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad 121001, Haryana, India.
Life Sciences
|December 16, 2022
Summary
Viruses hijack mitochondria, crucial cell powerhouses, to control cell death, immunity, and metabolism, enabling infection spread. This review explores viral proteins targeting mitochondria, including in SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mitochondria are vital organelles involved in energy production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and immune signaling.
- Viruses exploit mitochondrial functions to evade host defenses and promote infection.
- Mitochondrial dynamics and functions are key targets for viral subversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review viral proteins that specifically target mitochondria.
- To elucidate how viruses manipulate mitochondrial functions for replication and persistence.
- To highlight the role of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and host-virus interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral-mitochondrial interactions.
- Analysis of viral protein functions targeting mitochondrial dynamics.
- Exploration of host-virus protein interactions at the mitochondrial level.
Main Results:
- Viral proteins alter mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, calcium homeostasis, and bioenergetics.
- Targeting mitochondria allows viruses to control apoptosis, metabolism, and evade immune responses.
- Mitochondrial subversion facilitates viral spread and persistent infections.
Conclusions:
- Understanding viral targeting of mitochondria is crucial for combating viral infections.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
- Identifying host-virus protein interactions at mitochondria offers therapeutic targets.
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