Relationship between the prostaglandin cascade and virus infection.

Several prostaglandins are continuously produced in every cell. They activate protein kinases by regulating cyclic nucleotide synthesis. Modifications of the phosphorylation of virus polypeptides and alterations in the microtubular system of host cells can result in the reactivation of latent viruses. Prostaglandins have a very important role in directing cell cycle. Abnormal tyrosine kinase activities during viral cell transformation are responsible for the malignant changes and consequently severe alterations are observed in the endogenous prostaglandin production. External modification of this cascade can revert malignant signs to normal. Furthermore, virus infection or cell transformation could be promoted by the immunosuppressive effects of overproduced prostaglandins. They damage interferon release and co-operation between the different cell types of the immune system. Enzyme inhibitors of the prostaglandin cascade or prostaglandin analogues may exert influence on all of these phenomenon, providing future therapeutic agents.