Small GTPase-A Key Role in Host Cell for Coronavirus Infection and a Potential Target for Coronavirus Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery

Viruses. 2022 Sep 14;14(9):2044. doi: 10.3390/v14092044.

Abstract

Small GTPases are signaling molecules in regulating key cellular processes (e.g., cell differentiation, proliferation, and motility) as well as subcellular events (e.g., vesicle trafficking), making them key participants, especially in a great array of coronavirus infection processes. In this review, we discuss the role of small GTPases in the coronavirus life cycle, especially pre-entry, endocytosis, intracellular traffic, replication, and egress from the host cell. Furthermore, we also suggest the molecules that have potent adjuvant activity by targeting small GTPases. These studies provide deep insights and references to understand the pathogenesis of coronavirus as well as to propose the potential of small GTPases as targets for adjuvant development.

Keywords: adjuvant; coronavirus; infection; small GTPase.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Endocytosis
  • Humans
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Vaccine
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins

Grants and funding

This study was supported by Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province (No. 202103021223168), the Shanxi Province Excellent Doctoral Work Award-Scientific Research Project (No. SXBYKY2022053, No. SXBYKY2022013), the Start-up Fund for Doctoral Research, Shanxi Agricultural University (No. 2021BQ71), the “Six New” Project of Agriculture and Rural Department of Shanxi Province, the Fund for Shanxi “1331 Project” Key Innovative Research Team (No. 20211331-16).