Activation of the Antiviral Kinase PKR and Viral Countermeasures
2009
How Viruses Trick the Antiviral Kinase PKR
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Bianca Dauber, Thorsten Wolff
Primary Institution: University of Alberta
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms by which various viruses activate or inhibit the antiviral kinase PKR?
Conclusion
The study reveals that many viruses have evolved strategies to evade the antiviral effects of PKR, highlighting the complexity of virus-host interactions.
Supporting Evidence
- PKR is activated by various viral RNAs, including those from negative-strand RNA viruses.
- Viruses like influenza A and B have evolved proteins that inhibit PKR to enhance their replication.
- The study discusses the role of specific viral proteins in preventing PKR activation.
Takeaway
Viruses have special tricks to avoid being stopped by a protein in our body called PKR, which usually helps fight off infections.
Methodology
The review summarizes various studies on the activation of PKR by different viral RNAs and the countermeasures employed by viruses.
Limitations
The review does not provide new experimental data but synthesizes existing literature.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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