Control of virus infection by tumour suppressors

Abstract

An increasing number of tumour suppressor genes are induced by interferons (IFNs) and may play an important role in the control of cell proliferation induced by this cytokine. In addition, pathways triggered by both tumour suppressors and IFN converge as common targets for non-related tumour viruses. The inhibition of the IFN response by animal viruses is explained by the fundamental role that IFN plays to control virus infection. However, the reasons why many viruses, including those that do not require the replication of the host, target tumour suppressor pathways are varied and are still under investigation. Here we review those findings that support that tumour suppressors may have a role in the control of virus infection.