Enterovirus protein 2B po(u)res out the calcium: a viral strategy to survive?

Trends Microbiol. 2005 Feb;13(2):41-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2004.12.005.

Abstract

Enteroviruses modify several cellular functions to ensure efficient replication. However, some of these alterations can trigger a defensive apoptotic host-cell program. To prevent premature abortion of their productive cycle, enteroviruses have developed anti-apoptotic countermeasures. Here, we discuss recent evidence that the enterovirus 2B protein exerts an anti-apoptotic activity that is related to its ability to form pores in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi membranes, thereby reducing their Ca(2+) content and perturbing ER-mitochondrial Ca(2+) signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / virology
  • Enterovirus / genetics
  • Enterovirus / metabolism*
  • Enterovirus Infections / metabolism*
  • Enterovirus Infections / pathology
  • Enterovirus Infections / virology
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism
  • Golgi Apparatus / virology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Viral Proteins
  • Calcium