Flavivirus Morphogenesis and Its Implications for Pathogenesis

Flaviviruses represent major human pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors, causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Morphogenesis-the assembly and maturation of infectious flavivirus particles-is a complex process that occurs in association with host cell membranes and requires extensive cellular remodeling. This review examines recent advances in our understanding of flavivirus morphogenesis, from the molecular mechanisms driving virion assembly to their implications for viral pathogenesis. We discuss how viral proteins orchestrate the assembly process through interactions with the host cell machinery, particularly focusing on membrane reorganization, lipid metabolism, and post-translational modifications. The production of structurally heterogeneous viral particles is a key feature of flavivirus morphogenesis with important consequences for immune recognition and viral fitness. Understanding these fundamental aspects of the flavivirus life cycle has led to new insights into virus-host interactions and highlights promising targets for therapeutic intervention.