Subversion of immunity (2) : viruses

The fourth and fifth lectures were entitled: "Subversion of immunity - (2) Viruses". These were the viral counterpart to the bacterial immuno-subversion dealt with in the previous lecture. This was a complex lecture, for although bacterial strategies are diverse, they remain relatively within the framework of molecular mechanisms that are fairly common from one pathogen to another, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria, whereas viral strategies are infinitely varied and immensely complex. I therefore had to give two lectures rather than one on this subject, and despite this I had to be selective. I have grouped together the major immunomanipulation strategies: alteration of viral antigen presentation, induction of apoptotic death of effector cells, protection against NK cell cytotoxicity, blockade of type 1 interferon synthesis. I then reclassified the viruses according to these strategies and took stock of known effectors and mechanisms. The whole of this major review and synthesis is available as a PDF file on the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Chair website.