Viral proteases: Structural basis of function, evolution, and drug design

Viral proteases are essential enzymes that orchestrate the maturation of viral polyproteins, a critical step in infectious viral particles. Understanding their structure and function is paramount for developing effective antiviral therapies. This chapter provides an overview of the central role of viral proteases in the viral lifecycle, their classification, and the wealth of structural information available through resources like the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and the MEROPS database. We discuss the catalytic mechanisms of key protease classes and highlight the remarkable structural conservation observed across different viruses and even with host proteases, providing insights into viral evolution. Furthermore, the chapter offers practical guidance on utilizing publicly available structural biology resources to facilitate research and drug discovery efforts targeting these crucial viral enzymes, empowering researchers to independently explore this evolving field.