Viral ion channels: structure and function

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2002 Mar 19;1561(1):27-45. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4157(01)00009-0.

Abstract

Viral ion channels are short auxiliary membrane proteins with a length of ca. 100 amino acids. They are found in enveloped viruses from influenza A, influenza B and influenza C (Orthomyxoviridae), and the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1, Retroviridae). The channels are called M2 (influenza A), NB (influenza B), CM2 (influenza C) and Vpu (HIV-1). Recently, in Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus (PBCV-1, Phycodnaviridae), a K+ selective ion channel has been discovered. The viral channels form homo oligomers to allow an ion flux and represent miniaturised systems. Proton conductivity of M2 is established; NB, Vpu and the potassium channel from PBC-1 conduct ions; for CM2 ion conductivity is still under proof. This review summarises the current knowledge of these short viral membrane proteins. Their discovery is outlined and experimental evidence for their structure and function is discussed. Studies using computational methods are presented as well as investigations of drug-protein interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Circular Dichroism
  • HIV-1 / chemistry*
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins
  • Ion Channels / chemistry*
  • Ion Channels / genetics
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Orthomyxoviridae / chemistry*
  • Orthomyxoviridae / genetics
  • Orthomyxoviridae / physiology
  • Potassium Channels / chemistry
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins*
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • CM2 protein, Influenza C virus
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins
  • Ion Channels
  • Kcv potassium channel, Chlorella virus
  • M-protein, influenza virus
  • M2 protein, Influenza A virus
  • Potassium Channels
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
  • vpu protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1