Influenza virus infection and apoptosis
Takizawa, T.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 61(11): 2001-2005
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 14619445 Document Number: 564639
Many viruses including influenza virus induce apoptosis of host cells. Influenza virus-induced apoptosis shares common features of apoptosis, i.e. activation of caspases and inhibition by bcl-2. Fas and its ligand and double stranded-RNA activated-protein kinase (PKR) are partly involved in the apoptosis. Virus proteins as nonstructural protein I, neuraminidase as well as a novel protein, PB1-F2, play some roles in promoting the virus-induced apoptosis. Apoptotic cells are effectively engulfed by macrophages, which recognize phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of the membrane of apoptotic cell. Neuraminidase activity is required for the effective phagocytosis. All these evidence suggest that the virus-induced apoptosis is one of the mechanisms of host defense system.