Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
09:10
siRNA Electroporation to Modulate Autophagy in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Infected Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Published on: October 28, 2019
Cellular players in the herpes simplex virus dependent apoptosis balancing act
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA.
Viruses
|October 14, 2011
Summary
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) manipulate apoptosis, a programmed cell death, to replicate. Cellular genes influence this balance, affecting infection outcomes and offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a critical cellular defense mechanism against viral infections.
- Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) encode proteins that modulate apoptotic pathways to ensure viral replication.
- Maintaining an equilibrium between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors is crucial during HSV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of cellular genes influencing the apoptotic balance during HSV infection.
- To highlight how these cellular genes impact HSV-dependent apoptosis.
- To discuss the implications of this apoptotic regulation on viral infection outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating cellular genes and apoptosis in HSV infection.
- Analysis of mechanisms by which cellular genes modulate apoptotic pathways.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on the interplay between cellular factors and viral apoptotic modulators.
Main Results:
- Numerous cellular genes have been identified that regulate sensitivity to HSV-induced apoptosis.
- Dysregulation of the apoptotic balance by cellular genes can lead to premature cell death.
- These cellular factors play a significant role in determining the overall outcome of HSV infection.
Conclusions:
- Cellular genes are key regulators of the apoptotic balance during HSV infection.
- Understanding these cellular determinants is vital for comprehending viral pathogenesis.
- Targeting cellular genes that influence apoptosis presents a potential strategy for managing HSV infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
01:24Caspases
Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
01:11Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death
Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...