HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE-2 INHIBITION OF FAS LIGAND EXPRESSION

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are common human pathogens, In this report we demonstrate the capacity of HSV-2, but no t HSV-1, to inhibit the activity and cell surface expression of Fas li gand, an important molecule involved in T-cell apoptosis and cell-medi ated cytotoxicity. Cells infected with HSV-2 retained Fas ligand intra cellularly instead of expressing it on the cell surface. Addition of a nti-Fas antibodies markedly inhibited HSV-2 viral production, suggesti ng that the capacity of the virus to regulate Fas ligand expression, a nd thereby programmed cell death, may represent a powerful mechanism f or the virus to enhance viral replication.