Cathepsins in cellular entry of human pathogenic viruses

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Viral entry is the crucial first step in viral replication, involving host cell exploitation.
• Cathepsins, abundant endo/lysosomal proteases, are key host factors in viral internalization, fusion, and genome release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of cathepsins in the host cell entry of human pathogenic viruses.
• To focus on cathepsin involvement in the entry of enveloped and non-enveloped RNA viruses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on cathepsins and viral entry.
• Analysis of specific roles of different cathepsins in viral entry mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Cathepsins are critical host factors exploited by various viruses during cell entry.
• Specific cathepsins facilitate distinct steps in the entry process for different viral types.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive knowledge of cathepsin functions in viral entry provides insights into viral infection mechanisms.
• Targeting cathepsin activity presents a potential strategy for developing novel antiviral therapies.