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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Identifying Caspases and their Motifs that Cleave Proteins During Influenza A Virus Infection
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A glimpse into viral warfare: decoding the intriguing role of highly pathogenic coronavirus proteins in apoptosis

Leyi Cheng1,2, Yajuan Rui1,2, Yanpu Wang1,2

  • 1Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China.

Journal of Biomedical Science
|July 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Highly pathogenic coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 use viral proteins to trigger apoptosis, aiding their survival and immune evasion. This review explores these mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis for viral infections and cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Coronaviruses utilize diverse survival strategies, including the manipulation of apoptosis.
  • Viral proteins are key mediators in initiating both endogenous and exogenous apoptosis.
  • Highly pathogenic strains (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) possess more non-structural proteins that induce apoptosis through multiple pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex relationship between highly pathogenic coronaviruses and apoptosis.
  • To systematically explain the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induction by viral proteins.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies involving apoptosis inhibition and viral protein utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on viral pathogenesis and apoptosis.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induction by coronavirus proteins.
  • Exploration of therapeutic applications derived from apoptosis modulation.

Main Results:

  • Viral proteins from highly pathogenic coronaviruses are crucial for inducing apoptosis via multiple routes.
  • These proteins also suppress host immune responses, enhancing viral replication.
  • Apoptosis modulation presents dual therapeutic potential: antiviral and anticancer.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding coronavirus-induced apoptosis mechanisms is vital for combating viral diseases.
  • Targeting apoptosis pathways offers promising avenues for novel antiviral therapies.
  • Apoptosis-inducing viral proteins may serve as novel therapeutic agents, including in cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Antiviral DrugsApoptosisHighly Pathogenic Coronavirus

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