Biochemical Orchestration of Viral Infections: From Cellular Entry to Host Metabolic Reprogramming

Viral infections are driven by tightly coordinated biochemical interactions between invading virions and host cells that determine tissue tropism, replication efficiency, and clinical outcome. This article synthesizes current knowledge on major biochemical processes underlying viral infection, from attachment and entry through genome replication, assembly, and egress, with an emphasis on host–virus interplay at the levels of signaling, cell death regulation, and metabolic reprogramming. We discuss receptor engagement, endocytosis and fusion mechanisms, innate immune sensing via pattern-recognition receptors, and downstream interferon signaling and cytokine responses. We then examine how viruses manipulate apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways and remodel host metabolism, including glycolysis, nucleotide biosynthesis, and lipid synthesis, to support replication while evading innate immunity. Finally, we highlight emerging therapeutic strategies that target host metabolic and signaling nodes rather than viral proteins alone, offering broad-spectrum antiviral potential.

Перевод пока недоступен