The interaction of viral proteins with host and its effects on cellular responses to ionizing radiation

In order to understand the potential modification and mechanisms of virus infectious on the health effects of ionizing radiation, the interaction of virus encoded proteins with host cells proteins is highlighted in connection with the effect of viral proteins on DNA damage signaling and its impact on the sensitivity of mammalian cells to ionizing radiation. The interaction of virus encoded proteins with host cells not only plays an important role in viral infection and the consequential pathogenesis, but may also have an influence on the response of infected tissues to radiation or some chemicals. A series of viral proteins have already been demonstrated to interact with host proteins that are associated with cellular responses to DNA double strand breaks, including DNA repair, apoptosis and cell cycle checkpoints, and this interaction results in mis localization, degradation, inactivation or activation of these host proteins. Some others directly or indirectly regulate the transcriptional level of a number of host genes or post transcriptional modification of host proteins responding to ionizing radiation, which leads to accumulation or downregulation of these gene products. These interactions between viral proteins and the hosts contribute to some extent to altered cellular radiosensitivity. Fully and accurately understanding the biological significance of viral infection to radiation will expand our knowledge on the individual susceptibility of human body to radiation health effects. (author)