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TNF Decoy Receptors Encoded by Poxviruses

Francisco Javier Alvarez-de Miranda1, Isabel Alonso-Sánchez1, Antonio Alcamí1

  • 1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Campus de Cantoblanco, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Poxviruses counteract antiviral defenses by using decoy receptors to neutralize tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Understanding these viral strategies reveals potential therapeutic targets for treating viral infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a key inflammatory cytokine crucial for antiviral host defense.
  • Poxviruses have evolved mechanisms to evade the host immune response, specifically targeting TNF.
  • Decoy receptors are viral proteins that bind and neutralize host cytokines like TNF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review poxvirus-encoded TNF decoy receptors.
  • To analyze the impact of these receptors on poxvirus pathogenesis.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of these viral molecules.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of identified TNF decoy receptors in poxvirus genomes.
  • Analysis of scientific data on the function and evolution of these receptors.
  • Discussion of potential therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • Poxviruses utilize diverse decoy receptors to inhibit TNF-mediated antiviral immunity.
  • These viral proteins play significant roles in modulating poxvirus pathogenesis.
  • Specific decoy receptors show potential as therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

  • Poxvirus decoy receptors are critical for viral immune evasion.
  • Targeting these viral factors could offer novel therapeutic strategies against poxviruses.
  • Further research into TNF decoy receptors may yield new antiviral treatments.
Keywords:
cowpox viruscytokinesectromelia virusimmune evasioninflammationlymphotoxinpoxvirussecreted decoy receptorstumour necrosis factortumour necrosis factor receptorsvaccinia virus

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