Comparison of Cell Fusions Induced by Influenza Virus and SARS-CoV-2

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jul 1;23(13):7365. doi: 10.3390/ijms23137365.

Abstract

Virus-cell fusion is the key step for viral infection in host cells. Studies on virus binding and fusion with host cells are important for understanding the virus-host interaction and viral pathogenesis for the discovery of antiviral drugs. In this review, we focus on the virus-cell fusions induced by the two major pandemic viruses, including the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. We further compare the cell fusions induced by the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, especially the pH-dependent fusion of the influenza virus and the fusion of SARS-CoV-2 in the type-II transmembrane serine protease 2 negative (TMPRSS2-) cells with syncytia formation. Finally, we present the development of drugs used against SARA-CoV-2 and the influenza virus through the discovery of anti-fusion drugs and the prevention of pandemic respiratory viruses.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; cell fusions; fusion inhibitors; influenza virus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Cell Fusion
  • Humans
  • Orthomyxoviridae* / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / metabolism
  • Virus Internalization

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2

Grants and funding

This research was partly funded from the National Program on Key Research Project of China (grant no. 2020YFA0707500 and 2020YFA0707504), Theme-Based Research Scheme of the Research Grants Council (T11-709/21-N), the Health and Medical Research Fund, the Food and Health Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (COVID1903010-Project 13). The APC was funded by Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. The funding sources had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the writing of the report.