Description: The term ‘fusogenic’ refers to the ability of certain viruses to fuse with the membranes of host cells. This process is crucial for the entry of the virus into the cell, allowing its genetic material to be introduced inside and begin replication. Membrane fusion is a biological mechanism that involves the interaction of viral proteins with the lipid membranes of cells, facilitating binding and subsequent fusion. This property is particularly relevant in the study of various viruses, including but not limited to HIV and influenza virus, that utilize this mechanism to infect cells. Understanding fusogenicity is fundamental to viral biology and has implications for the development of antiviral treatments and vaccines, as interrupting this process can be an effective strategy to prevent infection. Furthermore, the study of fusogenicity has led to advances in biotechnology, where applications in drug delivery and gene therapy are explored, leveraging the ability of viruses to fuse with specific cells.
