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Adenovirus proteins that subvert host defenses
W S Wold1, T W Hermiston, A E Tollefson
1Dept of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, St Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63104.
Trends in Microbiology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Adenovirus uses viral products to overcome host defenses, including RNA molecules that prevent protein synthesis shutdown and proteins that block inflammation and cell death. These viral countermeasures offer insights into adenovirus pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Adenoviruses possess mechanisms to evade host immune responses.
- Viral evasion strategies are crucial for understanding pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adenovirus-encoded factors that counteract host defenses.
- To elucidate the roles of specific viral products in immune evasion and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral RNA and protein products.
- Investigating the impact of viral factors on host cellular processes like protein synthesis, gene transcription, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus encodes VA RNA1, which prevents interferon-induced protein synthesis inhibition.
- Multiple adenovirus proteins inhibit interferon-induced gene transcription, cytotoxic T cell activity, apoptosis, and tumor necrosis factor-induced inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus employs a diverse array of encoded products to subvert host immunity.
- Understanding these viral countermeasures provides critical insights into adenovirus pathogenesis and viral-host interactions.