Host cytoskeleton and membrane network remodeling in the regulation of viral replication
image: Viral infection induces cytoskeleton remodeling into cage-like structure. Virus infection can cause severe rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, and all three kinds of cytoskeleton form a cage-like structure enclosing the near-nuclear virus factory. Microfilaments form actin ring around the virus components, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, etc.; intermediate filaments form an intermediate filament cage to completely wrap the virus factory; microtubules form a grid shape microtubule cage
Credit: Xuedi Gao, Xinming Chen, Letian Yu, Shuangshuang Zhao, Yaming Jiu
Key Findings:
- Viral infections trigger cytoskeletal remodeling, creating cage-like structures like actin rings, microtubule cages, and intermediate filament cages around viral replication factories, providing structural support and isolation.
- Host cell membrane systems, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, are hijacked by the virus to form replication factories and participate in viral protein synthesis and processing.
- Cytoskeleton and endomembrane systems work together to facilitate viral transport and release within the host cell.
- Viral proteins interact with host cytoskeletal proteins to regulate viral replication and assembly.
Significance:
Understanding the intricate interplay between viruses and host cell structures provides valuable insights for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs and designing targeted therapies. Further research in this area could lead to more effective strategies to combat viral infections and enhance our understanding of viral replication mechanisms.
The work entitled “Host cytoskeleton and membrane network remodeling in the regulation of viral replication”was published on Biophysics Reports (published on Feb, 2025).