Virus-encoded G-protein-coupled receptors: constitutively active (dys)regulators of cell function and their potential as drug target.
G-protein-coupled receptors encoded by herpesviruses such as EBV, HCMV and KSHV are very interesting illustrations of the (patho)physiological importance of constitutive GPCR activity. These viral proteins are expressed on the cell surface of infected cells and often constitutively activate a variety of G-proteins. For some virus-encoded GPCRs, the constitutive activity has been shown to occur in vivo, i.e., in infected cells. In this paper, we will review the occurrence of virus-encoded GPCRs and describe their known signaling properties. Moreover, we will also review the efforts, directed towards the discovery of small molecule antagonist, that so far have been mainly focused on the HCMV-encoded GPCR US28. This virus-encoded receptor might be involved in cardiovascular diseases and cancer and seems an interesting target for drug intervention.
Vischer
H F
HF
Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research (LACDR), Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hulshof
J W
JW
de Esch
I J P
IJ
Smit
M J
MJ
Leurs
R
R
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000502:physiology*; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D014780:Viruses / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000472:pathogenicity
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D014764:Viral Proteins