[Viral homologues of G-protein-coupled receptor]

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are seven transmembrane proteins that convert extracellular stimuli to cell signaling.Viral genes homologous to cellular GPCR have been described in the genome of Betaherpesvirinae, Gammaherpesvirinae and Poxviridae. The goal of this review is to summarize the knowledge available on viral GPCR (vGPCR) with a special interest for their roles in the biology and the pathogenesis of the infection. This review highlights some properties of vGPCR that are not shared by their cellular homologues and stresses the diversity of their functions in the biology of the infection.