Role of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases in infectious diseases and host-pathogen interactions

Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases (PPIases) catalyse the cis-trans isomerization of C-alpha atoms about the peptide bond preceding a proline residue, thereby regulating a conformational switch which controls a plethora of cellular processes. PPIases play a key role in the survival, reproduction, proliferation and virulence of microbial pathogens vis-a-vis their human host. In addition, human PPIases either aid or retard viral replication and modulate host immune response. The article discusses the structure-function relationships of PPIases in the context of microbial virulence (with an emphasis on viruses), and on targeting PPIases for COVID-19, responsible for untold human sufferings.

Automated summary

PPIases are proteins that regulate cellular processes and play a key role in microbial pathogenesis. Human PPIases not only affect viral replication but also modulate host immune response. Targeting PPIases for COVID-19 treatment may alleviate human suffering.