Virus-induced aggregates in infected cells

Viruses. 2012 Oct 17;4(10):2218-32. doi: 10.3390/v4102218.

Abstract

During infection, many viruses induce cellular remodeling, resulting in the formation of insoluble aggregates/inclusions, usually containing viral structural proteins. Identification of aggregates has become a useful diagnostic tool for certain viral infections. There is wide variety of viral aggregates, which differ by their location, size, content and putative function. The role of aggregation in the context of a specific virus is often poorly understood, especially in the case of plant viruses. The aggregates are utilized by viruses to house a large complex of proteins of both viral and host origin to promote virus replication, translation, intra- and intercellular transportation. Aggregated structures may protect viral functional complexes from the cellular degradation machinery. Alternatively, the activation of host defense mechanisms may involve sequestration of virus components in aggregates, followed by their neutralization as toxic for the host cell. The diversity of virus-induced aggregates in mammalian and plant cells is the subject of this review.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Cell Nucleus / virology
  • Cytoplasm / virology
  • DNA Viruses / genetics
  • DNA Viruses / pathogenicity
  • DNA Viruses / physiology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Inclusion Bodies, Viral / physiology*
  • Mammals / virology
  • Plant Cells / virology*
  • Plant Viruses / genetics
  • Plant Viruses / pathogenicity*
  • Plant Viruses / physiology
  • Plants / virology*
  • RNA Viruses / genetics
  • RNA Viruses / pathogenicity
  • RNA Viruses / physiology
  • Virus Assembly
  • Virus Diseases / virology
  • Virus Replication