Virokine

A virokine is a protein encoded by certain viruses that acts as a competitive inhibitor of a host cytokines. As cytokines act as an essential part of a hosts immune system, virokines are used by viruses for immunomoduation and subverting host immune responses.

The word "virokine" was originally coined by Dr. Bernard Moss. [cite web|url=http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2000/mossaward.htm|title=Bristol-Myers Squibb Award 2000|accessdate=2007-01-14] It is used to designate viral proteins that interfere with immune response by reducing cytokine levels or effectiveness. They may do so by suppressing cytokine secretion, competing for cytokine receptors, interfering with cytokine signalling pathways, or otherwise antagonizing cytokines of the host organism. Many virokines are similar to host cytokines and may have been acquired by gene transfer from the host and subsequently modified. [cite web | url=http://www.copewithcytokines.de/cope.cgi?key=Virokine | title=Cytokine Encyclopedia | accessdate=2007-01-14]

Further reading

*
*
*

References