Viral interference

Viral interference is a phenomenon that occurs when a cell infected by a virus becomes resistant to a second virus. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as the first virus triggering an immune response that also protects against the second virus, or the first virus directly interfering with the second virus's ability to replicate.

Mechanisms of Viral Interference

There are several mechanisms through which viral interference can occur. These include:

• Immune response: The first virus can trigger an immune response in the host that also protects against the second virus. This is often the case when the two viruses are closely related and share similar antigens.

• Direct interference: The first virus can directly interfere with the second virus's ability to replicate. This can occur if the first virus uses up resources that the second virus needs to replicate, or if the first virus produces proteins that inhibit the second virus's replication.

• Interference by viral proteins: Some viruses produce proteins that can interfere with the replication of other viruses. For example, the protein Vif produced by HIV can inhibit the replication of other retroviruses.

Examples of Viral Interference

There are many examples of viral interference in nature. For example, infection with the measles virus can provide temporary protection against the mumps virus. Similarly, infection with the hepatitis C virus can provide protection against the hepatitis A and B viruses.

Implications for Disease Treatment and Prevention

Understanding viral interference can have important implications for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases. For example, it may be possible to use one virus to protect against another, similar virus. This is the principle behind some types of vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.

See Also

• Virus
• Immune response
• Vaccine

References

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