Dynein and kinesin are cytoskeletal motor proteins involved in transporting cellular cargos and viruses. Throughout viral infection, they actively participate in the virus life cycle in the cell during entry, genome replication, and departure. Through their retrograde and anterograde transport, dynein and kinesin assist in promoting viral infection as well as the cellular defense response. This review highlights the crucial roles kinesin and dynein play in facilitating viral proliferation and aims to exhibit these proteins as vital targets for drug discovery in exploring strategies for regulating their dual functions concerning involvements in various essential phases of viral infections and host cells' immune response.
Recruitment of dynein and kinesin to viral particles.