Highly Dynamic Cytoskeletal Networks Support Productive Viral Infection and Host Innate Immune Response Activation

Abstract Purpose of Review Increasing evidence shows that the onset of the host cytoskeleton changes during the viral infection process. The attainment of in-depth knowledge about the molecular pathways coopted by viruses to induce cytoskeleton remodeling represents a useful premise for designing broad-spectrum antivirals. Recent Findings Current investigations suggest that viruses coopt specific host factors to induce cell type-related cytoskeleton modifications for successful cell invasion and viral progeny spread to neighboring cells. On the other hand, it has been argued that cytoskeletal dynamics represent the first line of innate antiviral response activation. Summary Here, we highlight the role of the main cytoskeletal regulatory mechanisms responsible for modulating the structure/function of specific cytoskeletal proteins at the global and local levels, which may affect the outcome of virus infection.