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Viruses and apoptosis
L S Young1, C W Dawson, A G Eliopoulos
1CRC Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham Medical School, UK.
Abstract:
Virus infection and replication are often associated with apoptosis and this effect is likely to be responsible for much of the pathology associated with infectious disease. Many viruses encode proteins which can inhibit apoptosis thereby either prolonging the survival of infected cells such that the production of progeny virus is maximised or facilitating the establishment of virus persistence. These viral proteins target the cellular pathways responsible for regulating apoptosis and have been instrumental in furthering our understanding of the apoptotic process. Many of the viruses associated with oncogenic transformation have adopted strategies for blocking apoptosis highlighting the centrality of this effect in carcinogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms by which viruses regulate apoptosis may lead to the development of novel therapies for both infectious disease and cancer.
Insights
Viruses can inhibit apoptosis, a programmed cell death, to enhance their replication and persistence. Understanding these viral mechanisms offers new therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Virus infection often triggers apoptosis, a key factor in infectious disease pathology.
- Viruses encode proteins to inhibit apoptosis, aiding viral replication, persistence, and oncogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between viral infections and apoptosis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which viruses manipulate apoptosis.
- To highlight the role of apoptosis in viral pathogenesis and carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of viral proteins that target cellular apoptotic pathways.
- Investigation of the impact of viral-induced apoptosis modulation on infected cells.
- Review of literature on viruses associated with oncogenic transformation and their anti-apoptotic strategies.
Main Results:
- Viral inhibition of apoptosis prolongs infected cell survival, maximizing viral production.
- Viral anti-apoptotic strategies are crucial for establishing viral persistence.
- Blocking apoptosis is a common strategy for oncogenic viruses, linking viral activity to cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Viral manipulation of apoptosis is central to pathogenesis and oncogenesis.
- Understanding these viral mechanisms can lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
- Targeting viral regulation of apoptosis holds promise for treating infectious diseases and cancer.