Crosstalk Between Vimentin and Keratins in Viral Infection: Implications Across the Viral Life Cycle

Intermediate filaments, specifically vimentin and keratin, play a significant role in viral infections by influencing various stages of the viral life cycle such as attachment, replication, and egress. This review highlights how viruses manipulate the IF network to enhance their propagation and discusses the potential of targeting these IF-virus interactions for antiviral therapies. Additionally, the review explores the impact of IFs on cell-to-cell spread, immune regulation, and oncogenesis, suggesting that these structures are more dynamic and integral to viral processes than previously understood.