virology blog
About viruses and viral disease
All immune responses, from intrinsic to adaptive, need to be regulated – if left on indefinitely they will damage the host. The innate immune response is no exception, and a cellular RNA has been identified that binds to a sensor of viral RNA and regulates the production of interferon (IFN).
[Read more…] about A cell RNA that regulates innate immunity
The large quantities of viral macromolecules and virus particles that are produced in an infected cell impose heavy demands on the host. Synthesis of the building blocks of a virus particle – nucleotides, amino acids, and sometimes fatty acids – requires energy, typically in the form of ATP. Synthesis of viral proteins and genomes, and transport of viral components in the cell also require energy. Because of these needs, viral infections often lead to alterations in the energy-generating and precursor synthesizing pathways of a cell. Two recent examples illustrate how virus infection can alter host metabolism.
[Read more…] about Metabolic manipulations in virus-infected cells