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Published on: June 14, 2024
Viral stress-inducible genes.
Ganes C Sen1, Gregory A Peters
1Department of Molecular Genetics, The Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Advances in Virus Research
|September 4, 2007
Summary
Viral infections trigger cellular "viral stress-inducible genes" crucial for host-virus balance. Viruses employ diverse strategies to evade these defenses, leading to a dynamic equilibrium within infected cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Virus infection induces cellular genes, termed viral stress-inducible genes, essential for cell-virus homeostasis.
- These genes play a critical role in both virus replication and host survival.
- Viral products and host responses like Type I interferons activate these genes via complex signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the induction mechanisms of viral stress-inducible genes.
- To understand how viral components and host factors interact to regulate these genes.
- To investigate viral strategies for evading cellular antiviral responses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene transcriptional induction during viral infections.
- Investigation of signaling pathways activated by viral products (RNA, DNA, proteins).
- Examination of host defense proteins like PKR, RNase L, and translation initiation factors.
Main Results:
- Viral products and Type I interferons induce viral stress-inducible genes through overlapping pathways.
- Double-stranded RNA activates pathways involving TLR3 and RIG-I/Mda-5.
- Several induced proteins inhibit protein synthesis (e.g., P56, PKR, RNase L).
- Viruses utilize multiple mechanisms to counteract these host defenses.
Conclusions:
- A complex interplay exists between viral inducers and cellular responses.
- Viral stress-inducible genes are key in establishing cell-virus homeostasis.
- Viruses evolve sophisticated strategies to overcome host defenses, resulting in a dynamic equilibrium.
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