The viral manipulation of the host cellular and immune environments to enhance propagation and survival: a focus on RNA viruses.

Virus infection presents a significant challenge to host survival. The capacity of the virus to replicate and persist in the host is dependent on the status of the host antiviral defense mechanisms. The study of antiviral immunity has revealed effective antiviral host immune responses and enhanced our knowledge of the diversity of viral immunomodulatory strategies that undermine these defences. This review describes the diverse approaches that are used by RNA viruses to trick or evade immune detection and response systems. Some of these approaches include the specific targeting of the major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen presentation pathways, apoptosis, disruption of cytokine function and signaling, exploitation of the chemokine system, and interference with humoral immune responses. A detailed insight into interactions of viruses with the immune system may provide direction in the development of new vaccine strategies and novel antiviral compounds.