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The fight of viruses against apoptosis

J Tschopp1, M Thome, K Hofmann

  • 1Institute of Biochemistry, BIL Research Center, Epalinges, Switzerland.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|April 8, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Viruses can evade host defenses by blocking apoptosis, the programmed cell death of infected cells. This viral strategy enhances virus replication and may contribute to cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Apoptosis is a crucial host defense against viral infections.
  • Viruses can counteract apoptosis using viral anti-apoptotic proteins.
  • Blocking apoptosis by viruses enhances viral replication and oncogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate viral mechanisms of apoptosis evasion.
  • To understand the role of viral anti-apoptotic proteins in host-pathogen interactions.
  • To explore the link between viral interference with apoptosis and cancer promotion.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of viral protein interactions with apoptotic pathways.
  • Assessment of apoptosis induction in virus-infected cells.
  • Studies on the impact of viral anti-apoptotic proteins on viral replication and cell transformation.

Main Results:

  • Certain viruses express proteins that inhibit apoptosis.
  • Viral inhibition of apoptosis is mediated through death receptor and mitochondrial pathways.
  • Blocked apoptosis leads to increased viral loads and potential oncogenic transformation.

Conclusions:

  • Viral interference with apoptosis is a significant viral evasion strategy.
  • Targeting viral anti-apoptotic mechanisms could be a therapeutic approach.
  • Understanding this process is vital for combating viral diseases and virus-associated cancers.

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