Cellular cytolysis via viral replication

Cellular cytolysis via viral replication refers to the lytic destruction of host cells as a direct consequence of viral replication. Many viruses puncture or disrupt cellular membranes during the release of new infectious particles, a process fundamentally required by most non-enveloped viruses and some enveloped viruses for propagation. This lytic process can be mediated directly by viral proteins (viroporins, capsid proteins, lytic enzymes), as seen in adenovirus or picornavirus infections, or indirectly by host immune responses, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes or natural killer cells that recognize and kill infected cells. The result is host cell death, release of viral progeny, and often local tissue injury and inflammation. Cellular cytolysis via viral replication underlies many cytopathic effects observed in infected tissues, and is central to the pathogenesis of acute viral diseases such as smallpox, polio, and certain severe influenza and coronavirus infections.

Other names

Cell lysisVirus-induced cytolysisCytolytic viral replicationLytic replicationViral cytolysis

Not applicable; however, some antiviral drugs may inhibit steps of viral replication that prevent cytolysis. Immune modulators (e.g., cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells induce lysis of infected cells as part of this process).