Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) are efficient and diverse toolsets of the cells to regulate almost every biological process. However, these characteristics have also been usurped by many viruses to optimize for their replication. CRLs are often at the forefront of the arms races in the coevolution of viruses and hosts. Here we review the modes of actions and functional consequences of viral manipulations of host cell CRLs. We also discuss the therapeutic applications to target these viral manipulations for treating viral infections.
Keywords: CRL; Cullins; Degradation; Ubiquitination; Virus infection.