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Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2017
Herpes viral proteins blocking the transporter associated with antigen processing TAP--from genes to function and
1Institute of Biochemistry, Biozentrum Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Marie-Curie-Str. 9, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany.
Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
|September 13, 2002
Summary
Viruses like herpes simplex virus and human cytomegalovirus evade immune responses by targeting the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP). These viruses use distinct mechanisms to block TAP, offering insights into immune evasion and potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade host immune responses, leading to persistent infections.
- Herpesviruses are known to interfere with antigen presentation pathways, specifically targeting MHC class I molecules.
- The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is a crucial component of the immune system targeted by some viruses for immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the mechanistic and structural strategies of two unrelated herpesviral proteins that target TAP for immune evasion.
- To elucidate how ICP47 from herpes simplex virus and US6 from human cytomegalovirus inhibit TAP function through distinct approaches.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of viral protein functions.
- Structural elucidation of viral proteins and their interaction with TAP.
- Mechanistic studies on the inhibition of TAP by viral proteins.
Main Results:
- ICP47 (herpes simplex virus) and US6 (human cytomegalovirus) are unrelated herpesviral proteins that both target TAP for immune evasion.
- These proteins employ entirely different strategies to block TAP function, despite the shared target.
- Detailed functional and structural information was obtained for both viral factors.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the distinct mechanisms used by ICP47 and US6 to inhibit TAP provides crucial insights into viral immune evasion strategies.
- This knowledge can aid in understanding the fundamental function of TAP.
- The findings may facilitate the design of novel immune suppressors or vectors for gene transfer applications.
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