Lipid rafts as viral entry routes and immune platforms: A double-edged sword in SARS-CoV-2 infection?

ABSTRACT: Lipid rafts are nanoscopic compartments of cell membranes that serve a variety of biological functions. They play a crucial role in viral infections, as enveloped viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can exploit rafts to enter or quit target cells. On the other hand, lipid rafts contribute to the formation of immune synapses and their proper functioning is a prerequisite for adequate immune response and viral clearance. In this narrative review we dissect the panorama focusing on this singular aspect of cell biology in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and therapy. A lipid raft-mediated mechanism can be hypothesized for many drugs recommended or considered for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosupp

SUBMITTER: Roncato R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8894694 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature