Trafficking and Activation of Henipavirus, Parahenipavirus, and Henipa-like Virus Fusion Proteins

TL;DR

This paper reviews how fusion proteins from henipaviruses and related viruses work, focusing on their unique traits and how they might influence viral spread and potential pandemics.

Contribution

The paper introduces new insights into the trafficking and activation mechanisms of F proteins in emerging henipaviruses and parahenipaviruses.

Findings

Henipavirus F proteins have unique trafficking and activation mechanisms compared to other paramyxoviruses.

Novel parahenipaviruses found in rodents and shrews differ enough to warrant a new genus classification.

Variations in F protein characteristics may influence viral pathogenicity and pandemic potential.

Abstract

Henipaviruses are emerging zoonotic viruses that have caused deadly outbreaks in humans and livestock across several regions of the world. The fusion (F) protein of henipaviruses plays a critical role in viral entry into host cells and represents a key determinant of viral pathogenicity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current knowledge regarding trafficking, activation, as well as the role in particle assembly, of henipavirus F proteins. We discuss the unique characteristics of henipavirus F proteins compared to other paramyxovirus fusion proteins, with particular emphasis on their distinctive trafficking and activation mechanisms. Attention is also given to novel henipaviruses that have been detected in hosts other than bats, namely rodents and shrews. These viruses are sufficiently different that the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses has proposed a new genus for them, the Parahenipaviruses. We discuss how variations in F protein characteristics between Henipaviruses, Parahenipaviruses, and yet-unclassified henipa-like viruses might influence their trafficking and activation. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies against henipavirus infections and for predicting the emergence of novel henipavirus strains with pandemic potential.

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