Emerging Roles of Viroporins Encoded by DNA Viruses: Novel Targets for Antivirals?

ABSTRACT: Studies have highlighted the essential nature of a group of small, highly hydrophobic, membrane embedded, channel-forming proteins in the life cycles of a growing number of RNA viruses. These viroporins mediate the flow of ions and a range of solutes across cellular membranes and are necessary for manipulating a myriad of host processes. As such they contribute to all stages of the virus life cycle. Recent discoveries have identified proteins encoded by the small DNA tumor viruses that display a number of viroporin like properties. This review article summarizes the recent developments in our understanding of these novel viroporins; describes their roles in the virus life cycles and in pathogenesis and speculates on their potential as targets for anti-viral therapeutic intervention.

SUBMITTER: Royle J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4632388 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature