Viral Envelope Protein Expression

Patent Pending Many viruses (e.g. influenza and many animal viruses) have viral envelopes covering their protective protein capsids.[1] The envelopes typically are derived from portions of the host cell membranes (phospholipids and proteins), but include some viral glycoproteins. Functionally, viral envelopes happen to help viruses enter host cells and may help them avoid the host immune system. Glycoproteins on the surface of the envelope serve to identify and bind to receptor sites on the host's membrane. The viral envelope then fuses with the host's membrane, allowing the capsid and viral genome to enter and infect the host.