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Induction of apoptosis by herpes simplex virus type 1
1Department of Virology, School of Medicine, The University of Tokushima, Japan. koyama@basic.med.tokushima-u.ac.jp
The Journal of General Virology
|November 21, 1997
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection alone does not cause cell death. However, with cycloheximide, HSV-1 induces apoptosis, suggesting a viral structural protein triggers this cell death pathway.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common human pathogen.
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a critical cellular process.
- Understanding viral-induced apoptosis is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HSV-1 infection in inducing apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.
- To determine if de novo protein synthesis is required for HSV-1-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- HEp-2 cells were infected with HSV-1.
- Cells were treated with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis.
- Apoptosis was assessed through morphological changes and DNA fragmentation analysis.
Main Results:
- HSV-1 infection alone did not induce apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.
- In the presence of cycloheximide, HSV-1 infection led to characteristic apoptotic morphological changes.
- Endonucleosomal DNA cleavage, a hallmark of apoptosis, was observed in cycloheximide-treated infected cells.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis can be induced in HEp-2 cells by HSV-1 infection under specific conditions (cycloheximide treatment).
- The induction of apoptosis does not require new protein synthesis, indicating a role for pre-existing viral components.
- A structural protein within the HSV-1 virion is likely responsible for triggering apoptosis.