Viral apoptotic mimicry: an immune evasion strategy developed by the hepatitis B virus?

The co-existence of viruses and organisms for millions of years has influenced the evolution of both. Various viral strategies to enter a host and take over the control of cells to produce virus progeny have developed. Several antiviral (immune) responses have also been developed. The apoptotic death program is a conserved feature of eukaryotic cells. In multicellular organisms the binding and engulfment of apoptotic material is considered to be the end stage of the apoptotic process. Because of its importance, it seems probable that viruses have targeted this ancient removal system to suppress immune responses and to establish or maintain infection. The possibility that the hepatitis B virus has evolved such a mechanism, termed ‘viral apoptotic-like mimicry’, is presented here.