Mechanisms of viral membrane fusion and its inhibition

Citation
Dm. Eckert et Ps. Kim, Mechanisms of viral membrane fusion and its inhibition, ANN R BIOCH, 70, 2001, pp. 777-810
Citations number
199
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
ANNUAL REVIEW OF BIOCHEMISTRY
ISSN journal
00664154 → ACNP
Volume
70
Year of publication
2001
Pages
777 - 810
Database
ISI
SICI code
0066-4154(2001)70:<777:MOVMFA>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
Viral envelope glycoproteins promote viral infection by mediating the fusio n of the viral membrane with the host-cell membrane. Structural and biochem ical studies of two viral glycoproteins, influenza hemagglutinin and HIV-1 envelope protein, have led to a common model for viral entry. The fusion me chanism involves a transient conformational species that can be targeted by therapeutic strategies. This mechanism of infectivity is likely utilized b y a wide variety of enveloped viruses for which similar therapeutic interve ntions should be possible.