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Related Concept Videos

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

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Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
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High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
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No Love Lost Between Viruses and Interferons.

Volker Fensterl1, Saurabh Chattopadhyay1, Ganes C Sen1

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195;

Annual Review of Virology
|March 10, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The interferon system uses interferons (IFNs) to fight viral infections by triggering immune responses. Viruses evolve to evade IFNs, establishing a host-virus balance that can be overcome with therapeutic interferon treatments.

Keywords:
antiviral actiondsRNAinnate immunityinterferon-stimulated geneinterferon-λpathogenesispattern-recognition receptorviral evasionvirus infection

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The interferon system is a critical defense mechanism in mammals against viral infections.
  • Interferons (IFNs) are key signaling molecules that initiate innate and cell-mediated immune responses.
  • Viruses have evolved counter-mechanisms to evade the host interferon response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms of the interferon system in antiviral defense.
  • To understand the evolutionary arms race between viruses and the host interferon system.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of exogenous interferons.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews the sensing of viral infections by pattern-recognition receptors.
  • It describes the synthesis and secretion of interferons by infected cells.
  • It details the signaling pathways activated in uninfected cells by interferon-stimulated genes.

Main Results:

  • Interferons inhibit viral replication through interferon-stimulated genes.
  • Viruses have developed diverse strategies to antagonize interferon activity.
  • A dynamic equilibrium exists between viral evasion and host interferon defense.

Conclusions:

  • The interferon system is a complex and highly regulated antiviral defense.
  • Viral adaptation necessitates continuous host immune system evolution.
  • Exogenous interferon administration represents a viable therapeutic strategy against viral infections.