Apoptosis associated with the Equine arteritis virus, a model for nidoviruses

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Apoptosis is considered the physiological form of cell death which occurs during embryonic development, tissue remodelling and tumor regression. Among stimuli that have been associated with cell apoptosis are infections with mammalian DNA and RNA viruses. Upon virus infection, the cell may react to viral aggression by undergoing early apoptosis to prevent production and/or dissemination of progeny viruses. To achieve successful replication, certain viruses have evolved mechanisms to suppress and induce apoptosis in early and late stages of infection, respectively, enlighten further the complexity of virus-host interactions. Our proposal will examine these interactions between viruses and the host apoptotic machinery that would contribute to the understanding of virus replication and pathogenesis. More particularly, we will identify viral determinants and the mechanisms associated to apoptosis. Identifying pro- and anti-apoptotic viral-derived proteins and their modes of action might also contribute to the development of therapies in humans to kill or preserve particular type of cells.