Innate immune activation of NFκB and its antagonism by poxviruses

Under the constant selective pressure of pathogens, immunity is the most rapidly evolving system in vertebrates. All viruses evolve strategies to inhibit or evade host immunity leading to minimally symptomatic and persistent infection once virus–host adaptation is optimally attuned. Poxviruses are particularly adept at targeting innate immunity in a precise and efficient manner. Poxviral immune evasion genes collectively form a toolbox of inhibitors and decoys targeting the rate-limiting steps in host anti-viral signalling pathways.

Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 11, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Gareth Brady, Andrew G. Bowie Source Type: research