The Modulation of Apoptotic Pathways by Gammaherpesviruses
Shuvomoy Banerjee1, Timsy Uppal2, Roxanne Strahan2
1Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Noida, India.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|May 21, 2016
Summary
Gammaherpesviruses evade apoptosis, programmed cell death, using viral proteins to disrupt cellular pathways. Targeting these viral proteins offers potential cancer therapies by restoring apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Apoptosis is crucial for homeostasis and defense against viruses.
- Dysregulated apoptosis is linked to diseases like cancer.
- Gammaherpesviruses manipulate apoptosis to ensure survival and oncogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms gammaherpesviruses use to inhibit apoptosis.
- To identify viral anti-apoptotic proteins as therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on gammaherpesvirus-induced apoptosis inhibition.
- Analysis of viral protein functions and their impact on cellular signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Gammaherpesviruses encode proteins that interfere with both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.
- Viral proteins modify numerous signal transduction pathways to prevent cell death.
- Key viral anti-apoptotic proteins have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Gammaherpesviruses employ sophisticated strategies to subvert host cell apoptosis.
- Viral anti-apoptotic proteins represent promising targets for developing novel antiviral and anticancer therapies.
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