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Programmed cell death: the battlefield between the host and alpha-herpesviruses and a potential avenue for cancer

Chuankuo Zhao1,2,3, Mingshu Wang1,2,3, Anchun Cheng1,2,3

  • 1Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu City 611130, Sichuan, P.R. China.

Oncotarget
|August 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Programed cell death is a key antiviral defense, but viruses like alpha-herpesviruses can evade it. Understanding these programmed cell death pathways offers insights into viral infections and cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Programed cell death is a crucial host defense against viral replication.
  • Viruses, including alpha-herpesviruses, have evolved mechanisms to resist programmed cell death.
  • Alpha-herpesviruses are significant pathogens impacting human and animal health globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis induced by alpha-herpesviruses.
  • To elucidate the role of programmed cell death in host antiviral defense against alpha-herpesviruses.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of programmed cell death pathways in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on alpha-herpesviruses and programmed cell death.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis.
  • Synthesis of information regarding viral evasion strategies and therapeutic implications.

Main Results:

  • Alpha-herpesviruses induce distinct pathways of apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis.
  • These programmed cell death pathways significantly influence viral infection and replication dynamics.
  • Viral manipulation of programmed cell death highlights its importance in host-pathogen interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Programmed cell death is a vital host immune defense mechanism against viral pathogens like alpha-herpesviruses.
  • Understanding these pathways provides critical insights into viral pathogenesis.
  • Targeting programmed cell death pathways presents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
alpha-herpesvirusesapoptosisautophagycancer treatmentnecroptosis

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