The contribution of viral toxins to infection and pathogenesis - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #viral toxins
- #dissemination
- #pathogenesis
- Viral pathogenesis involves infection of cells and the host immune response, with viral dissemination playing a key role.
- Viral dissemination refers to a virus's ability to move from the primary infection site, cross physiological barriers, and access secondary infection sites, influencing tropism and pathogenesis.
- Soluble viral proteins, termed 'viral toxins,' contribute to viral dissemination by interacting with endothelial/epithelial barriers and immune cells, disrupting barrier integrity.
- Disruption of barriers by viral toxins induces vascular leak, facilitating viral dissemination and influencing tropism and pathogenesis.
- Blocking viral toxin activity can prevent vascular leak, dissemination, and severe disease, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
- Viral toxins from families like Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Nairoviridae, and Filoviridae are discussed, including examples like DENV NS1 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike.