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Cellular takeover: How new world alphaviruses impact host organelle function.
Morgen VanderGiessen1, Abdullahi Jamiu1, Brittany Heath1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
Virology
|December 29, 2024
Summary
New World alphaviruses utilize host cell organelles for replication and immune evasion. This review explores their impact on organelle function and identifies host-directed therapeutic targets for these important pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Alphaviruses, particularly New World alphaviruses (NWA), are significant human pathogens.
- NWA, including eastern, western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses, cause central nervous system disease.
- These viruses spread via aerosolization and mosquito vectors, posing public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of host cell organelles in NWA replication.
- To examine how NWA subvert host innate immune responses.
- To discuss the impact of viral proteins on organelle function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on NWA replication mechanisms.
- Comparison of NWA with Old World alphaviruses (OWA) like chikungunya and Sindbis viruses.
- Analysis of host-organelle interactions during viral infection.
Main Results:
- NWA extensively utilize host organelles for various stages of their life cycle.
- Viral proteins and replication processes significantly alter organelle function.
- NWA effectively suppress host innate immune responses through complex mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding NWA-organelle interactions is crucial for combating these viruses.
- Host-directed therapeutics targeting organelle function present a promising strategy.
- Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps specific to NWA.
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