Abstract.
Coronavirus envelope protein is a small membrane protein and minor component of the virus particles. It plays important roles in virion assembly and morphogenesis, alteration of the membrane permeability of host cells and virus-host cell interaction. Here we review recent progress in characterization of the biochemical properties, membrane topology and functions of the protein.
Keywords. Coronavirus, envelope protein, biochemical properties, membrane topology, virion assembly, viroporin, apoptosis
Footnotes
Received 27 February 2007; received after revision 4 April 2007; accepted 26 April 2007