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Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Engineering Antiviral Agents via Surface Plasmon Resonance
Published on: June 14, 2022
The Antiviral Activity of Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Proteins and Virus Evasion Strategies
Jingjing Wang1, Yuhang Luo1, Harshita Katiyar2,3
1Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
Abstract:
Interferons (IFNs) are antiviral cytokines that defend against viral infections by inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) 1, 2, and 3 are crucial ISG products and members of the CD225 protein family. Compelling evidence shows that IFITMs restrict the infection of many unrelated viruses by inhibiting the virus-cell membrane fusion at the virus entry step via the modulation of lipid composition and membrane properties. Meanwhile, viruses can evade IFITMs' restrictions by either directly interacting with IFITMs via viral glycoproteins or by altering the native entry pathway. At the same time, cumulative evidence suggests context-dependent and multifaceted roles of IFITMs in modulating virus infections and cell signaling. Here, we review the diverse antiviral mechanisms of IFITMs, the viral antagonizing strategies, and the regulation of IFITM activity in host cells. The mechanisms behind the antiviral activity of IFITMs could aid the development of broad-spectrum antivirals and enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
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