Interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in human viral pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Autophagy and apoptosis are critical programmed cell death pathways governing cellular homeostasis and development.
• These pathways are central to host-pathogen interactions, particularly during viral infections.
• Viruses have evolved complex strategies to exploit these cellular processes for their own replication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis induced by significant human viruses.
• To analyze the intricate crosstalk between autophagic and apoptotic pathways during viral pathogenesis.
• To elucidate viral strategies for co-opting these cell death pathways to facilitate infection.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of scientific literature on viral manipulation of autophagy and apoptosis.
• Analysis of viral mechanisms involving both DNA and RNA viruses.
• Examination of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level.

Main Results:

• Clinically significant DNA viruses (e.g., HSV, EBV, HPV) and RNA viruses (e.g., HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2, influenza) differentially regulate autophagy and apoptosis.
• Viruses strategically manipulate these pathways to promote viral entry, replication, and immune evasion.
• The interplay between autophagy and apoptosis is dynamic and virus-specific, often leading to a complex cellular response.

Conclusions:

• Viruses extensively co-opt autophagy and apoptosis pathways to ensure their survival and propagation.
• Understanding these viral manipulation tactics provides a foundation for novel antiviral drug development.
• Targeting the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis offers promising therapeutic avenues against viral infections.