Double-Membrane Vesicles as Platforms for Viral Replication

Trends Microbiol. 2020 Dec;28(12):1022-1033. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.05.009. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Abstract

Viruses, as obligate intracellular parasites, exploit cellular pathways and resources in a variety of fascinating ways. A striking example of this is the remodelling of intracellular membranes into specialized structures that support the replication of positive-sense ssRNA (+RNA) viruses infecting eukaryotes. These distinct forms of virus-induced structures include double-membrane vesicles (DMVs), found during viral infections as diverse and notorious as those of coronaviruses, enteroviruses, noroviruses, or hepatitis C virus. Our understanding of these DMVs has evolved over the past 15 years thanks to advances in imaging techniques and modern molecular biology tools. In this article, we review contemporary understanding of the biogenesis, structure, and function of virus-induced DMVs as well as the open questions posed by these intriguing structures.

Keywords: DMV; endomembranes; membrane remodelling; positive-sense RNA viruses; replication membrane; viral replication organelles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coronavirus / physiology
  • Enterovirus / physiology
  • Hepacivirus / physiology
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Host Microbial Interactions / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Membranes / virology*
  • Norovirus / physiology
  • Organelle Biogenesis
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Proteins
  • Virus Replication / physiology*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Proteins