Viral interference
Viral Interference
Viral interference (pronunciation: /ˈvaɪrəl ɪntərˈfɪərəns/) is a phenomenon in virology where a virus inhibits the replication of other viruses in the same host cell. This interference can occur through various mechanisms, including competition for cellular resources, induction of antiviral responses, or direct interactions between the viruses.
Etymology
The term "viral interference" is derived from the English words "virus" and "interference". The word "virus" comes from the Latin virus meaning poison or venom, while "interference" originates from the Latin interferre meaning to strike between or interrupt.
Mechanisms of Viral Interference
Viral interference can occur through several mechanisms:
- Competition for cellular resources: Viruses rely on the host cell's machinery for replication. If two or more viruses infect the same cell, they may compete for these resources, leading to viral interference.
- Induction of antiviral responses: Some viruses can induce an antiviral state in the host cell, making it resistant to subsequent viral infections. This is often mediated by interferons, proteins that are produced by host cells in response to viral infection.
- Direct interactions between viruses: In some cases, one virus can directly interfere with the replication of another virus. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as the production of viral proteins that inhibit the replication of other viruses.
Related Terms
- Superinfection: A second infection superimposed on an earlier one, especially by a different microbial agent of exogenous or endogenous origin, that is resistant to the treatment used against the first infection.
- Coinfection: The simultaneous infection of a host by multiple pathogen species.
- Interferon: A group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Viral interference
- Wikipedia's article - Viral interference
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