The Infected Cell Flashcards
What is the main effect of viruses on normal cellular processes?
inhibition of cellular gene expression is common effect
Cellular gene expression can be inhibited in virus
infected cells by blocking cellular mRNA production,
inhibiting translation, or inducing increased degradation
of cellular mRNAs.
A second common pattern is differential regulation,
in which expression of some genes is increased (e.g interferon or oncogenes) and that of others decreased
Balance of suppressing gene production from host cells, but also keeping essential protein production going - for example ensuring ribosomes are still produced, and increasing uptake of glucose metabolism
Viruses can cause cells to transform into cancer cells
What mechanisms do they use for this?
Inhibit apoptosis
Inhibit DNA repair
Promote rapid proliferation
How does HCV affect cellular metabolism?
Hepatitis C virus infection stimulates fatty acid synthesis
and increases lipid retention to induce steatosis in
hepatocytes.
Export of fatty acids/ cholesterol is inhibited
