IFITM proteins-cellular inhibitors of viral entry.
Interferon inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are a recently discovered family of cellular anti-viral proteins that restrict the replication of a number of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. IFITM proteins are located in the plasma membrane and endosomal membranes, the main portals of entry for many viruses. Biochemical and membrane fusion studies suggest IFITM proteins have the ability to inhibit viral entry, possibly by modulating the fluidity of cellular membranes. Here we discuss the IFITM proteins, recent work on their mode of action, and future directions for research.
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK.
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Smith
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Weston
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK; MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Electronic address: pk5@sanger.ac.uk.
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Kellam
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Electronic address: m.marsh@ucl.ac.uk.
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Marsh
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D053586:Virus Internalization; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology*
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D007372:Interferons