Cellular and viral membranes

Cellular and viral membranes are complex lipid bilayers that serve as the primary barrier between the internal environment of a cell or virus and its surroundings. These membranes are composed of phospholipids, sterols (such as cholesterol in humans or ergosterol in fungi), and various embedded proteins that facilitate transport and signaling (Source: NIH, StatPearls). In pharmacology, these structures are critical targets for anti-infective agents; for instance, polyene antifungals like amphotericin B target fungal-specific sterols to create pores, while lipopeptide antibiotics like daptomycin disrupt bacterial membrane potential (Source: PubMed, PMC2168075). Additionally, viral envelopes—derived from host cell membranes—are targeted by fusion inhibitors like enfuvirtide that prevent the virus from entering host cells (Source: Annual Review of Virology). Because of the fundamental similarities between pathogen and human membranes, drugs targeting these structures often face challenges regarding systemic toxicity, such as nephotoxicity and hemolysis, requiring careful dosing to maintain a therapeutic index (Source: Clinical Microbiology Reviews).

Other names

Biological membranesLipid bilayersPlasma membranesViral envelopesCytoplasmic membranes

Drugs targeting cellular and viral membranes typically act through physical disruption of the lipid bilayer, formation of transmembrane pores leading to ion leakage, or inhibition of the fusion process between viral envelopes and host cell membranes.