The structural biology of type I viral membrane fusion

Peter M Colman; Michael C Lawrence

doi:10.1038/nrm1076

The structural biology of type I viral membrane fusion

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2003 Apr;4(4):309-19. doi: 10.1038/nrm1076.

Authors

Peter M Colman¹, Michael C Lawrence

Affiliation

¹ The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. pcolman@wehi.edu.au

PMID: 12671653
DOI: 10.1038/nrm1076

Abstract

The fusion of viral membranes with target-cell membranes is an essential step in the entry of enveloped viruses into cells, and recent X-ray structures of paramyxoviral envelope proteins have provided new insights into protein-mediated plasma-membrane fusion. Here, we review our understanding of the structural transitions that are involved in this fusion pathway, compare it to our understanding of influenza virus membrane fusion, and discuss the implications for retroviral membrane fusion.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Gene Products, env / physiology
Gene Products, env / ultrastructure
HIV / genetics
HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / chemistry*
HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / genetics
HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / chemistry
HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / genetics
Membrane Fusion / physiology*
Models, Molecular
Protein Structure, Secondary
Viral Fusion Proteins / chemistry
Viral Fusion Proteins / genetics
Viral Fusion Proteins / physiology*
Virus Physiological Phenomena*

Substances

Gene Products, env
HIV Envelope Protein gp120
HIV Envelope Protein gp41
Viral Fusion Proteins