Interaction of viruses with annexins: a potential therapeutic target?

This review elaborates on the known interactions of annexins with some viral pathogens of man. The best documented interactions are those between human cytomegalovirus and annexin II, and hepatitis B virus and annexin V. The review starts with a description of some structural considerations and potential functions of these annexins before going into a more detailed analysis of the viral interactions themselves. Finally, some questions relating to the suitability of these interactions as a drug target are touched upon.