The basic structure of viruses and the role of viral proteases

Abstract

The basic structure of many pathogenic viruses can be compared to an ordinary box of chocolates from the supermarket: box, protective foil and plastic box stand for the viral structural proteins. The individual chocolates represent the viral enzymes and the genetic material. Proteases play a central role in Human Immunodefciency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and current Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2). A pair of hedge shears and some pipe cleaners can be used to illustrate how a protease works. Two chains of twisted coloured pipe cleaners serve as model for viral polyproteins, with each coloured pipe cleaner representing a viral protein. Protease inhibitors are the most successful antiviral drugs against HIV and HCV and are currently also being developed against SARS-CoV-2. The effect of such inhibitors is visualized in a most impressive and easily comprehensible way with a second, especially prepared box of chocolates flled with a piece of golden plastic foil and a bar of chocolate.