Virus encoded cytokines and cytokine receptors

In order to replicate efficiently within the host, viruses have evolved multiple strategies to evade the host's immune system. In many cases viruses have actually hijacked various components of the host's immune system to ensure their own survival. One such strategy is the expression of virus encoded cytokines and cytokine receptors. Members of the poxvirus and herpesvirus families have been particularly successful with this strategy. The study of virus survival strategies provides important information regarding both virus biology as well as information about the immune system itself.