Antiviral Inhibition of Enveloped Virus Release by Tetherin/BST-2: Action and Counteraction
2011

Understanding Tetherin's Role in Virus Inhibition

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anna Le Tortorec, Suzanne Willey, Stuart J. D. Neil

Primary Institution: King’s College London School of Medicine

Hypothesis

How does tetherin inhibit the release of enveloped viruses and what are the viral countermeasures against it?

Conclusion

Tetherin effectively restricts the release of various enveloped viruses, but many viruses have developed specific countermeasures to evade this restriction.

Supporting Evidence

  • Tetherin inhibits the release of diverse enveloped viruses by targeting their lipid membranes.
  • Viral proteins like Vpu and Env counteract tetherin's effects to facilitate virus release.
  • Tetherin's evolutionary pressure has led to the development of viral countermeasures.

Takeaway

Tetherin is like a security guard that stops viruses from leaving a cell, but some viruses have found ways to sneak past it.

Methodology

This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of tetherin's antiviral action and the countermeasures employed by various viruses.

Limitations

The review primarily focuses on primate lentiviruses and may not cover all enveloped viruses.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/v3050520

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication