Mechanisms of viral membrane fusion and its inhibition

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.