ViralFP: A webserver of viral fusion proteins

TL;DR

ViralFP is a comprehensive webserver providing data, bioinformatic tools, and machine learning predictions for viral fusion proteins to aid research and therapeutic development against enveloped viruses.

Contribution

This work introduces a centralized database and web platform with bioinformatic tools and machine learning capabilities for analyzing viral fusion proteins, enhancing research resources.

Findings

Includes a machine learning tool for predicting fusion peptide locations

Provides sequence alignment and visualization tools

Offers accessible data on viral fusion proteins

Abstract

Viral fusion proteins are attached to the membrane of enveloped viruses (a group that includes Coronaviruses, Dengue, HIV and Influenza) and catalyze fusion between the viral and host membranes, enabling the virus to insert its genetic material into the host cell. Given the importance of these biomolecules, this work presents a centralized database containing the most relevant information on viral fusion proteins, available through a free-to-use web server accessible through the URL https://viralfp.bio.di.uminho.pt/. This web application contains several bioinformatic tools, such as Clustal sequence alignment and Weblogo, including as well a machine learning-based tool capable of predicting the location of fusion peptides (the component of fusion proteins that inserts into the host's cell membrane) within the fusion protein sequence. Given the crucial role of these proteins in viral infection, their importance as natural targets of our immune system and their potential as therapeutic targets, this web application aims to foster our ability to fight pathogenic viruses.