Host cell proteases controlling virus pathogenicity

Abstract

The majority of viral glycoproteins that undergo post-translational proteolysis are cleaved by ubiquitous intracellular proteases; however, a minority are cleaved by secreted proteases available only in a few host systems. The interplay of viral glycoproteins and cellular proteases may have a pivotal role in the spread of infection, host range and pathogenicity. © 1994.