envelopedvirus

An enveloped virus is a virus that has an outer lipid bilayer surrounding its capsid, which in turn encloses its genetic material. This lipid bilayer is derived from the host cell membrane during the process of viral budding or extrusion. The envelope is not a static structure but is fluid and contains viral proteins, often including glycoproteins that protrude from the surface. These glycoproteins play a crucial role in viral attachment to host cells and subsequent entry.

The presence of an envelope makes these viruses generally more susceptible to environmental conditions such as heat, detergents, and disinfectants compared to non-enveloped viruses. These agents can disrupt the lipid bilayer, rendering the virus non-infectious. Consequently, enveloped viruses are often transmitted through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or bodily fluids, as they tend to be less stable in the environment. Examples of enveloped viruses include influenza virus, HIV, herpesviruses, and coronaviruses. The envelope's origin from the host cell membrane allows these viruses to evade the host's immune system to some extent by mimicking host cell components. However, the envelope also makes them vulnerable to certain antiviral drugs that target viral proteins embedded within it.