How Do Enveloped Viruses Exploit the Secretory Proprotein Convertases to Regulate Infectivity and Spread?

Inhibition of the binding enveloped viruses surface glycoproteins to host cell receptor(s) is a major target vaccines and constitutes an efficient strategy block viral entry infection various cells tissues. Cellular usually requires fusion envelope with plasma membranes. Such mechanism often preceded by “priming” and/or “activation” steps requiring limited proteolysis glycoprotein expose fusogenic domain for membrane juxtapositions. The 9-membered family Proprotein Convertases related Subtilisin/Kexin (PCSK) serine proteases (PC1, PC2, Furin, PC4, PC5, PACE4, PC7, SKI-1/S1P, PCSK9) participate in post-translational cleavages regulation multiple secretory proteins. type-I membrane-bound Furin SKI-1/S1P are convertases responsible processing viruses. Stefan Kunz has considerably contributed define role activation arenaviruses causing hemorrhagic fever. was recently implicated spike S-protein SARS-CoV-2 Furin-inhibitors being tested as antivirals COVID-19. Other members PCSK-family also some infections, such PCSK9 Dengue. Herein, we summarize functions PCSKs present arguments whereby their inhibition could represent powerful arsenal limit infections future pandemics.