Bacterial cell membrane and viral envelope

The bacterial cell membrane and viral envelope are essential lipid bilayers that protect the pathogen's genetic material and mediate interactions with the host environment. In bacteria, the cytoplasmic membrane is the site of vital functions including ATP synthesis, signal transduction, and the regulation of solute transport (Sohlenkamp & Geiger, 2016, EMBO Rep). Viral envelopes are host-derived lipid bilayers containing viral proteins that are necessary for the virus to recognize and fuse with host cell membranes (Harrison, 2008, Nat Struct Mol Biol). Antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptide drugs like daptomycin target these structures by inserting into the bilayer, causing depolarization and leakage of intracellular contents (Heidary et al., 2018, J Cell Physiol). Antiviral agents such as enfuvirtide specifically target the fusion process mediated by the envelope glycoproteins (Root & Steger, 2004, Curr Pharm Des). While these structures are effective therapeutic targets, the primary challenge in drug design is achieving high selectivity to avoid damaging human cell membranes, which can lead to systemic toxicities like nephrotoxicity (Landman et al., 2008, Clin Microbiol Rev).

Other names

Microbial lipid bilayerCytoplasmic membraneViral lipid bilayerViral lipid coatBacterial plasma membrane

Mechanisms include physical disruption of the lipid bilayer, formation of transmembrane pores leading to ion leakage, membrane depolarization, and inhibition of viral-host membrane fusion (Epand et al., 2016, Biochim Biophys Acta; Root & Steger, 2004, Curr Pharm Des).