Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Plemper RK
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3171968 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Infection of cells by enveloped viruses requires merger of the viral envelope membrane with target cell membranes, resulting in the formation of fusion pores through which the viral genome is released. Since lipid membranes do not mix spontaneously, the fusion process is energy-dependent and mediated by viral envelope glycoprotein complexes. Based on their structural and mechanistic properties, three distinct classes of viral fusion proteins have been identified to date. Despite their diversity, ...[more]