Abstract

BST-2 (also known as tetherin, CD317, or HM1.24) was first described as a potent interferon-inducible host antiviral factor nearly five years ago. Since that time, numerous reports have been published regarding the antiviral activity and immunological properties of this protein. BST-2 blocks viral replication by inhibiting enveloped virus budding from the surface of infected cells. To counteract this, most viruses have developed strategies to antagonize BST-2, each employing a unique mechanism. In this review, we summarize the antiviral function, structural biology and immunobiology of BST-2. Taken together, our current understanding of BST-2 suggests potential avenues as well as challenges to exploiting its action in the development of broad spectrum antiviral treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)132-139
Number of pages8
JournalMolecular Immunology
Volume54
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2013

Keywords

  • Antiviral state
  • Innate immunity
  • Interferon
  • Plasmacytoid dendritic cells
  • Tetherin
  • Virology

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