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Published on: April 3, 2018
Control of virus infection by tumour suppressors
César Muñoz-Fontela1, María A García, Manuel Collado
1Departamento de Microbiología II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
An increasing number of tumour suppressor genes are induced by interferons (IFNs) and may play an important role in the control of cell proliferation induced by this cytokine. In addition, pathways triggered by both tumour suppressors and IFN converge as common targets for non-related tumour viruses. The inhibition of the IFN response by animal viruses is explained by the fundamental role that IFN plays to control virus infection. However, the reasons why many viruses, including those that do not require the replication of the host, target tumour suppressor pathways are varied and are still under investigation. Here we review those findings that support that tumour suppressors may have a role in the control of virus infection.
Insights
Tumor suppressor genes, induced by interferons (IFNs), help control cell growth. Viruses target these pathways and IFN responses, suggesting tumor suppressors play a role in controlling viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Interferons (IFNs) induce tumor suppressor genes, influencing cell proliferation.
- Tumor suppressor and IFN pathways are targeted by various viruses.
- IFN response inhibition by viruses is linked to its antiviral role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of tumor suppressors in controlling viral infections.
- To explore why viruses target tumor suppressor pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research findings.
- Analysis of studies on virus-host interactions.
Main Results:
- Tumor suppressor genes are frequently induced by interferons.
- Convergent targeting of tumor suppressor and IFN pathways by diverse viruses.
- Viruses inhibit IFN responses due to their critical role in infection control.
Conclusions:
- Tumor suppressors are implicated in the control of viral infections.
- Viruses target tumor suppressor pathways for varied, yet-to-be-fully-elucidated reasons.
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