A Cell Has Been Infected with an RNA Virus

Question

A cell has been infected with an RNA virus. As a consequence, it may …
A) reduce the expression of its surface class I MHC molecules.
B) secrete type I interferons such as interferon-α.
C) shut down most protein translation and destroy most of its RNA.
D) be induced to die by apoptosis.
E) All of the above.

Accepted Answer

Type I interferons are produced in response to viral infection and help block viral replication in multiple ways, for example by shutting down most protein synthesis in the infected cell. If these measures fail to stop viral replication, the cell may even kill itself by apoptosis. Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to inhibit the expression of class I MHC protein on the surface of their host cells.