Activation of Host Translational Control Pathways by a Viral Developmental Switch
2009

How a Virus Changes Host Cell Protein Production

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Arias Carolina, Walsh Derek, Harbell Jack, Wilson Angus C., Mohr Ian

Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology and NYU Cancer Institute, New York University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

How does KSHV reactivation affect host cell protein synthesis?

Conclusion

KSHV reactivation activates the host's protein synthesis machinery while suppressing overall protein synthesis.

Supporting Evidence

  • KSHV reactivation leads to significant changes in the protein synthesis profile of infected cells.
  • Inhibiting the kinase Mnk1 reduces the production of viral proteins during reactivation.
  • Reactivation from latency activates the host cap-dependent translation machinery.

Takeaway

When a virus wakes up from sleep, it changes how the cell makes proteins, helping it to produce more of its own proteins while slowing down the cell's normal protein production.

Methodology

The study used PEL-derived B-cells infected with KSHV to analyze changes in protein synthesis during viral reactivation.

Limitations

The study may not fully account for the variability in reactivation efficiency among different cells.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000334

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication