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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Molecular Aspects of the Dengue Virus Infection Process: A Review

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Author(s):
Zonetti, Luiz F. C. [1, 2] ; Coutinho, Milena C. [2] ; de Araujo, Alexandre S. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, IBILCE, Dept Phys, POB 15054-000, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Fed Inst Educ Sci & Technol Sao Paulo, Dept Phys, IFSP, Campus Birigui, Birigui, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: PROTEIN AND PEPTIDE LETTERS; v. 25, n. 8, p. 712-719, 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Background: At the present time, dengue is one of the most important arboviruses affecting man, becoming a serious global public health problem, especially in subtropical and tropical countries, where environmental conditions favor the development and proliferation of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Dengue is caused by a type of flavivirus, which is an enveloped virus of spherical geometry. Nowadays, it is one of the diseases with the highest incidence in Brazil, reaching the population of all states, regardless of social class. Several papers address the molecular aspects of infection of human cell by the viruses, which are reviewed in this work. Conclusion: Analyzing the three-dimensional structures of the fusion peptide of dengue virus protein E, we observed that the fusion peptide presents a region rich in hydrophobic residues and a ``collar{''} of charged, polar residues. Probably, this hydrophilic collar plays an important role in the fusion process between the dengue virus and the cell membrane. In order for this disease to cease being a serious global public health problem, we must deepen our knowledge about the fusion process between the dengue virus and the cell membrane through further experimental and, especially, computational studies to find ways to inhibit the mechanism of virus infection. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/18169-3 - Investigations of physical chemistry processes related with the binding of environmental relevant heavy metal ions by calix[4]arenes using molecular dynamics simulations
Grantee:Alexandre Suman de Araujo
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants