Beyond independent roles: spatiotemporal coupling between viral fusion proteins and viroporins in viral replication and host inflammation.

Abstract

Membrane fusion and permeabilization are key membrane remodeling processes hijacked by viruses. Although fusion proteins and viroporins have long been characterized as discrete functional modules, emerging evidence supports the spatiotemporal coordination through shared regulation of ion flux, pH homeostasis, membrane tension, organelle stress, and vesicular trafficking during viral infections. These synchronized membrane events synergistically shape viral replication and host immune responses. This review establishes a fusion-ion-inflammation axis to guide mechanistic exploration and antiviral drug development.