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Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
11:28

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus

Published on: October 7, 2011

Inhibition of apoptosis by the gamma-herpesviruses

Michael Lagunoff1, Patrick Andrew Carroll

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. Lagunoff@u.washington.edu

International Reviews of Immunology
|September 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Gamma-herpesviruses inhibit apoptosis using viral genes to evade immune responses and ensure viral replication. These genes block cell death pathways during both latent and lytic infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Gamma-herpesviruses encode genes that actively inhibit apoptosis.
  • Apoptosis inhibition is crucial for viral persistence and replication.
  • Viral genes target various apoptotic pathways, including immune-mediated and intrinsic ones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which gamma-herpesviruses inhibit apoptosis.
  • To understand the role of viral anti-apoptotic genes during different infection phases.
  • To identify specific viral genes and their cellular targets involved in apoptosis suppression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of viral gene functions related to apoptosis.
  • Investigation of viral interactions with cellular apoptosis regulators (e.g., caspase-8, p53, NF-kappaB, Bcl-2).
  • Examination of apoptosis inhibition during latent and lytic infection stages.

Main Results:

  • Gamma-herpesviruses utilize multiple strategies to inhibit apoptosis, including blocking caspase-8 activation and binding to p53.
  • Viral genes activate NF-kappaB, upregulating anti-apoptotic gene expression.
  • Viruses express homologues of cellular anti-apoptotic genes, such as Bcl-2.
  • Apoptosis inhibition is essential for viral persistence during latency and for successful replication during lytic cycles.

Conclusions:

  • Gamma-herpesviruses possess a sophisticated arsenal of genes to counteract host cell apoptosis.
  • Effective apoptosis inhibition is vital for gamma-herpesvirus survival, immune evasion, and propagation.
  • Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into viral pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

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