Virus-Host Cell Interplay during Hepatitis E Virus Infection

Trends Microbiol. 2021 Apr;29(4):309-319. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.07.002. Epub 2020 Aug 19.

Abstract

The molecular interplay between cellular host factors and viral proteins is a continuous process throughout the viral life cycle determining virus host range and pathogenesis. The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a long-neglected RNA virus and the major causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. However, the mechanisms of liver pathology and clinical disease remain poorly understood for HEV infection. This review summarizes our current understanding of HEV-host cell interactions and highlights experimental strategies and techniques to identify novel host components required for the viral life cycle as well as restriction factors. Understanding these interactions will provide insight into the viral life cycle of HEV and might further help to devise novel therapeutic strategies and antiviral targets.

Keywords: HEV life cycle; drug targets; hepatitis E virus; host factor; host interaction.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis E / virology*
  • Hepatitis E virus / pathogenicity*
  • Host Microbial Interactions*
  • Host Specificity*
  • Humans
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Viral Proteins