Influenza A virus and p53: Can the Two Walk Together? A Commentary on “p53 and the Viral Connection: Back into the Future”

Abstract

Influenza A is a very common cause for respiratory infections, which constitutes a major public health concern due to high rates of morbidity and mortality in high-risk population. In our previous publication, ‘p53 and the Viral Connection: Back Into the Future’, we discussed the involvement of the p53 tumor suppressor in the response to non-tumorigenic viruses, among which is the Influenza virus. In the current comment, we focus on the interplay between p53 and the influenza viral cycle. We discuss recent publications that provide evidence for the potential antiviral and pro-viral roles of p53 and its isoforms towards influenza, both in the host cell, as well as in the immune system. On the other side of the coin, we also discuss how the influenza virus may manipulate p53 to promote its own replication and spreading. An understanding of the interplay between p53 and the virus may lead to the development of a host-based influenza virus therapy. Influenza