Viral Fusion Protein (F Protein) Mediated Tumor Cell Membrane Fusion (F Protein)

Tumor cell membrane fusion refers to the process by which the plasma membranes of two cells—often a tumor cell and another cell type—merge, resulting in a hybrid cell that contains genetic and cytoplasmic material from both parent cells. This process is mediated by viral envelope glycoproteins known as F proteins (fusion proteins), originally characterized in paramyxoviruses. These F proteins undergo proteolytic cleavage to expose a hydrophobic fusion peptide that inserts into target membranes, leading to conformational changes that bring cellular membranes into close proximity and facilitate fusion. Engineered hyperfusogenic variants of viral F proteins are being developed as cancer therapeutics to induce extensive tumor cell-cell fusion, leading to immunogenic cell death.

Other names

Fusion ProteinViral F ProteinTumor Cell Membrane FusionSyncytia FormationMembrane Merger

Induces membrane merger between adjacent cells via dehydration, hemifusion, pore opening, and cytoplasmic mixing, leading to cell death.