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Current Cardiology Reports

Viral Infection and Connexin Dysfunction in the Heart

  • Open Access
  • 01-12-2025
  • Myocarditis
  • Myocardial Disease (A Abbate and M Merlo, Section Editors)
Published in:
Authors
Chelsea M. Phillips
James W. Smyth
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 1/2025

Abstract

Purpose of review

Gap junctions, comprising connexin proteins, enable the direct intercellular electrical coupling of cardiomyocytes, and disruption of this process is arrhythmogenic. In addition, gap junctions effect metabolic coupling and of relevance to this review, propagate host antiviral immune responses. Accordingly, connexins have emerged as viral targets during infection. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding contributions of inflammation vs virally encoded factors in driving alterations to cardiac gap junction function.

Recent findings

In addition to host immune-mediated effects on cardiac electrophysiology and gap junctions in myocarditis, there is now increasing appreciation for virally encoded factors targeting connexin function in acute/active infection.

Summary

We now know diverse viral species have independently evolved to directly target connexin function during infection. Understanding both the direct and indirect effects of viral infection on cardiac gap junctions is critical to inform treatment strategies and development of novel therapeutics for acute infection as a distinct disease process from chronic myocarditis.
Title
Viral Infection and Connexin Dysfunction in the Heart
Authors
Chelsea M. Phillips
James W. Smyth
Publication date
01-12-2025
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 1/2025
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-025-02227-6
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This content is intended for healthcare professionals outside of the UK.

Independent Medical Education Grant:
  • Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Learn more Link opens in a new window
Image Credits
Abstract graphic of layered, concentric circular shapes in bright green, pink, blue, and purple on a dark blue background. The rings and segments form a complex radial pattern without text/© Springer Health+ IME