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Mastering Death: The Roles of Viral Bcl-2 in dsDNA Viruses

Chathura D Suraweera1, Benjamin Espinoza2, Mark G Hinds3

  • 1Genome Sciences and Cancer Division, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia.

Viruses
|June 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The Bcl-2 protein family controls cell death pathways like apoptosis and autophagy. Viral Bcl-2 proteins mimic cellular versions, potentially hijacking these cell fate mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • The Bcl-2 protein family is a key regulator of cellular fate, influencing processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, senescence, metabolism, inflammation, redox homeostasis, and calcium flux.
  • Regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, including apoptosis and autophagy, utilize distinct molecular mechanisms, yet often involve shared proteins and genes.
  • Bcl-2 proteins are critical for maintaining the integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) during apoptosis by controlling pore formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted roles of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating cellular fate.
  • To investigate the implications of viral Bcl-2 homologs in modulating host cell death pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing research on Bcl-2 family proteins.
  • Comparative analysis of viral and cellular Bcl-2 protein structures and functions.
  • Examination of protein interactions within apoptotic and autophagic pathways.

Main Results:

  • Bcl-2 proteins orchestrate cell fate through diverse mechanisms beyond apoptosis, including autophagy.
  • Viral Bcl-2 proteins, homologous to cellular counterparts, can interact with host cell machinery.
  • These viral proteins have the potential to modulate host apoptotic and autophagic pathways, influencing cellular fate.

Conclusions:

  • The Bcl-2 family's regulatory roles in cellular fate are complex and interconnected across multiple pathways.
  • Viral Bcl-2 proteins represent a significant mechanism for viruses to manipulate host cell death and survival.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for deciphering viral pathogenesis and developing therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Bcl-2apoptosisautophagyinnate immunitystructurevirus

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