Virus maturation

Virus maturation is the final, crucial phase in the assembly of many viruses, transforming provirions or immature virions into infectious particles through large-scale structural rearrangements and proteolytic cleavage of viral proteins[2][3][4][5]. This process often involves the activation of viral proteases that modify capsid or envelope proteins, sometimes assisted by host cell enzymes. Viral maturation steps can include capsid protein reorganization, genome condensation, and activation of fusion proteins, and are essential for producing virions capable of infecting new host cells[2][3][4][5]. Disruption of maturation by drugs such as protease inhibitors forms an important antiviral strategy, especially in retroviruses like HIV, where blockage prevents the formation of infectious progeny[2][3]. Virus maturation is thus best considered a process rather than a specific molecule or receptor, and while critical for infectivity and as a therapeutic target, it does not fit typical molecular target classifications used for receptors, enzymes, or transporters.

Other names

Virion maturationViral maturation

Protease inhibition to block virion maturation (rendering virus particles non-infectious)[2][3]