Fusion mechanism

A fusion mechanism is any mechanism by which cell fusion or virus–cell fusion takes place, as well as the machinery that facilitates these processes. Cell fusion is the formation of a hybrid cell from two separate cells.[1][2] There are three major actions taken in both virus–cell fusion and cell–cell fusion: the dehydration of polar head groups, the promotion of a hemifusion stalk, and the opening and expansion of pores between fusing cells.[3] Virus–cell fusions occur during infections of several viruses that are health concerns relevant today. Some of these include HIV, Ebola, and influenza.[4] For example, HIV infects by fusing with the membranes of immune system cells. In order for HIV to fuse with a cell, it must be able to bind to the receptors CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4. Cell fusion also occurs in a multitude of mammalian cells including gametes and myoblasts.[5]

  1. ^ [1] Archived April 6, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Glossary of biotechnology and genetic engineering. Fao.org. Retrieved on 2011-05-04.
  3. ^ Hernández, Javier M.; Podbilewicz, Benjamin (2017-12-15). "The hallmarks of cell-cell fusion". Development. 144 (24): 4481–4495. doi:10.1242/dev.155523. ISSN 0950-1991. PMID 29254991.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :3 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).