Therapeutic manipulation of host cell death pathways to facilitate clearance of persistent viral infections

J Leukoc Biol. 2018 Feb;103(2):287-293. doi: 10.1189/JLB.3MR0717-289R. Epub 2018 Jan 9.

Abstract

Most persistent viral infections can be controlled, but not cured, by current therapies. Abrogated antiviral immunity and stable latently infected cells represent major barriers to cure. This necessitates life-long suppressive antiviral therapy. Achieving a cure for HIV, hepatitis B virus, Epstein Barr-virus, and others, requires novel approaches to facilitate the clearance of infected cells from the host. One such approach is to target host cell death pathways, rather than the virus itself. Here, we summarize recent findings from studies that have utilized therapeutics to manipulate host cell death pathways as a means to treat and cure persistent viral infections.

Keywords: apoptosis; cancer; latency; mimetics; virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Death / drug effects*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • HIV-1 / physiology
  • Hepatitis B virus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / drug effects
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Virus Diseases / virology
  • Virus Latency / physiology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents