Host Subcellular Organelles: Targets of Viral Manipulation

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jan 29;25(3):1638. doi: 10.3390/ijms25031638.

Abstract

Viruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to manipulate host cell processes and utilize intracellular organelles to facilitate their replication. These complex interactions between viruses and cellular organelles allow them to hijack the cellular machinery and impair homeostasis. Moreover, viral infection alters the cell membrane's structure and composition and induces vesicle formation to facilitate intracellular trafficking of viral components. However, the research focus has predominantly been on the immune response elicited by viruses, often overlooking the significant alterations that viruses induce in cellular organelles. Gaining a deeper understanding of these virus-induced cellular changes is crucial for elucidating the full life cycle of viruses and developing potent antiviral therapies. Exploring virus-induced cellular changes could substantially improve our understanding of viral infection mechanisms.

Keywords: endocytosis; endoplasmic reticulum; infection; lysosome; membrane; organelles; virus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Organelles / ultrastructure
  • Virus Diseases*
  • Virus Replication*