Research Progress

[22-06-2018]Scientists identify the human cytomegalovirus protein UL31 as an inhibitor of cGAS

The cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS recognizes viral DNA and synthesizes the second messenger cGAMP upon viral infection. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the betaherpesvirus family, is a typical dsDNA virus that encodes over 200 proteins. Similar to many other DNA viruses, HCMV infection induces activation of the cGAS-MITA signaling pathway.

[07-05-2018]Scientists revealed that Ac102 and C42 form a regulatory cascade to control viral NPF activity

Actin is one of the most functionally important proteins in eukaryotic cells. Morphologically, actin can be found in two forms: a monomeric form called globular actin (G-actin) and a polymeric form called filamentous actin (F-actin). G-actin can polymerize to form F-actin, and nucleation promoting factor (NPF) is the initiator of this process. Many viral pathogens harness the host actin polymer...

[02-05-2018]Scientists highlighted the oligomeric state as the functional form of GP41 in baculovrius replica...

In baculovirus, a large double stranded enveloped DNA virus, so far only a single protein, named GP41, has been identified as an O-glycosylated tegument protein. Baculoviruses are specific for insects and have been widely used as biocontrol agents of insect pests, as well as efficient gene expression and gene delivery vectors for human therapy. GP41 was originally identified as an O-linked glyc...

[09-03-2018]WDR5 represents interesting regulatory mechanism and a potential antiviral target

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has a large (~235-kb) genome with over 170 ORFs and exploits numerous cellular factors to facilitate its replication. HCMV infection increases protein levels of WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) during infection, overexpression of WDR5 enhances viral replication, and knockdown of WDR5 dramatically attenuates viral replication. WDR5 is essential for assembling th...