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Updated: May 21, 2026
08:26
Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2017
Histone deacetylases in viral infections
Clinical Epigenetics
|June 19, 2012
Summary
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate gene expression by modifying histones. This review explores HDACs
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Virology
Background:
- Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are crucial enzymes regulating chromatin structure and gene expression through histone deacetylation.
- HDACs play a significant role in controlling both cellular and viral gene transcription.
- Mammals possess 18 identified HDACs, categorized into four distinct classes (I, II, III, and IV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of HDACs in the context of viral replication.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors as antiviral agents.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of existing research on HDACs and viral infections.
- Analysis of the mechanisms by which HDACs influence viral replication.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data on HDAC inhibitors for viral diseases.
Main Results:
- HDACs are implicated in various stages of the viral life cycle, affecting viral gene expression and replication.
- Dysregulation of HDACs can promote or inhibit viral propagation depending on the specific virus and HDAC class.
- HDAC inhibitors have demonstrated antiviral activity against a range of viruses in experimental settings.
Conclusions:
- HDACs represent critical regulators of viral replication, offering potential therapeutic targets.
- HDAC inhibitors show promise as a novel class of antiviral drugs for treating various viral infections.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate HDAC functions in virology and optimize inhibitor-based therapies.
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