Vimentin Dynamics in Viral Infection: Shield or Sabotage?

作者：Ying Ling, Xuanyi Ling · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.22541/au.175897091.12281023/v1 · 研究领域：RNA regulation and disease、Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments、Virus-based gene therapy research

Vimentin, a major intermediate filament protein, has long been recognized for its structural role in maintaining cellular integrity, organelle positioning, and responding to mechanical stress. However, emerging evidence reveals its multifaceted involvement in viral infections, functioning beyond its classical cytoskeletal role. During viral entry and replication, vimentin undergoes dynamic remodeling, typically driven by virus-activated host signaling pathways that operate through post-translational modifications. These modifications promote filament disassembly into soluble oligomers, which expose hydrophobic surfaces. Soluble vimentin oligomers can be translocated to the cell surface, where they serve as viral co-receptors, enhancing virus attachment and entry. Meanwhile, cytoplasmic vimentin may reorganize into cage-like structures that surround viral replication complexes---a phenomenon observed in several viral infections. Whether these structures represent a virus-facilitated replication site or a host-imposed restriction mechanism remains an open question. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging functions and mechanisms of both cell surface and intracellular vimentin during viral infection and discuss its potential as a novel target for antiviral intervention.