J. Millet, G. Whittaker
2014.11.22VIRUS RESEARCH
tlooto Summary
This review focuses on the diversity of strategies coronaviruses have evolved to proteolytically activate their fusion protein during spike protein biosynthesis and the critical entry step of their life cycle, and highlights important findings on how proteolytic activation of coronavirus spike influences tissue and cell tropism, host range and pathogenicity.
Abstract
Highlights • Coronavirus spike proteins can be cleaved by a multitude of host cell proteases.• Proteolytic activation of spike is a crucial step to activate its fusogenicity.• The spike protein can be cleaved at multiple sites.• Modulation of spike cleavage can have profound effects on tropism and pathogenesis.
Citation format
MILLET, J.; WHITTAKER, G. Host cell proteases: Critical determinants of coronavirus tropism and pathogenesis. VIRUS RESEARCH, 2014, 202: 120–134.