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7019721 
Journal Article 
Ion channels as antivirus targets 
Liang, X; Li, ZY; , 
2010 
1 
Virologica Sinica
ISSN: 1674-0769
EISSN: 1995-820X 
25 
4 
267-280 
English 
20960300 
Ion channels are membrane proteins that are found in a number of viruses and which are of crucial physiological importance in the viral life cycle. They have one common feature in that their action mode involves a change of electrochemical or proton gradient across the bilayer lipid membrane which modulates viral or cellular activity. We will discuss a group of viral channel proteins that belong to the viroproin family, and which participate in a number of viral functions including promoting the release of viral particles from cells. Blocking these channel-forming proteins may be "lethal", which can be a suitable and potential therapeutic strategy. In this review we discuss seven ion channels of viruses which can lead serious infections in human beings: M2 of influenza A, NB and BM2 of influenza B, CM2 of influenza C, Vpu of HIV-1, p7 of HCV and 2B of picornaviruses. 
Amantadine; Antiviral therapy; Viral ion channel; Viruses