When cyclin-dependent kinases meet viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are protein kinases that play a key role in cell division and transcriptional regulation. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical roles of CDKs in various viral infections. However, the molecular processes underpinning CDKs' roles in viral infection and host antiviral defense are unknown. This minireview briefly overviews CDKs' functions and highlights the most recent discoveries of CDKs' emerging roles during viral infections, thereby providing a scientific and theoretical foundation for antiviral regulation and shedding light on developing novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies against viral infection.