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To keep the host alive - the role of viral Bcl-2 proteins

P Polčic, M Mentel, G Gavurníková

    Acta Virologica
    |September 1, 2017
    PubMed

    Insights

    Apoptosis protects against viral infections by eliminating infected cells. However, viral Bcl-2 (vBcl-2) proteins can block this programmed cell death, aiding viral replication and spread.

    Area of Science:

    • Cellular biology
    • Virology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Apoptosis is a crucial cellular mechanism for eliminating unwanted cells and defending against viral infections.
    • The Bcl-2 protein family regulates apoptosis by controlling mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.
    • Virus infection can trigger apoptosis in host cells, a key immune response.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of Bcl-2 family proteins and their viral counterparts in apoptosis during viral infections.
    • To understand how viruses manipulate cellular apoptosis pathways for their own replication.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of apoptotic pathways.
    • Study of viral gene products homologous to Bcl-2 proteins (vBcl-2).
    • Investigation of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.

    Main Results:

    • Bcl-2 family proteins are central regulators of apoptosis, influencing mitochondrial pathways.
    • Many viruses encode homologues of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, termed vBcl-2 proteins.
    • vBcl-2 proteins inhibit apoptosis in infected cells, facilitating viral replication and spread.

    Conclusions:

    • Viral Bcl-2 proteins are key viral factors that subvert host cell apoptosis.
    • Understanding vBcl-2 function is critical for developing antiviral strategies targeting apoptosis pathways.
    Keywords:
    apoptosis; vBcl-2; Bcl-2 family; autophagy; virus.

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