p53 and the Viral Connection: Back into the Future ^‡

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• The tumor suppressor p53 (WTp53) was initially discovered through its interaction with tumor-promoting viruses.
• Subsequent research revealed WTp53's involvement in the life cycles of various non-tumor-promoting viruses, including influenza, Zika, and HIV-1.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted roles of WTp53 in the life cycles of diverse viral pathogens.
• To investigate the strategies viruses employ to manipulate WTp53 for their replication and propagation.
• To highlight the potential of targeting WTp53 for novel antiviral therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on WTp53 and viral interactions.
• Analysis of viral manipulation strategies targeting WTp53.
• Identification of viral families and specific viruses known to interact with WTp53.

Main Results:

• WTp53 is implicated in the replication and spread of a wide array of viruses, both tumor-promoting and non-tumor-promoting.
• Viruses utilize diverse, stage-specific, and bidirectional strategies to manipulate WTp53 activity.
• Some viruses depend on active WTp53, while others require its inhibition for efficient replication.

Conclusions:

• WTp53 is a critical host factor that viruses have evolved to exploit.
• Understanding these viral-WTp53 interactions is key to developing new antiviral therapeutic strategies.
• Targeting WTp53 modulation presents a promising avenue for combating viral infections.