Viruses: Sabotage of Viral DNA Replication

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The discussion centers on whether the immune system or host cells can sabotage viral DNA during the lytic cycle to hinder replication. It is noted that the immune system primarily functions as an intracellular defense, suggesting limited capability in directly interfering with viral DNA. Once a virus integrates its DNA into the host's genome, distinguishing between the two becomes challenging for the host cell due to the specialized nature of DNA replication. However, there are methods to impede viral DNA integration, such as certain antibiotics that block proteins necessary for delivering viral DNA. Overall, while the host cell may struggle to differentiate and combat integrated viral DNA, there are potential strategies to disrupt the replication process.
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Does the immune system system or do host cells have any way of sabotaging the DNA of viruses during the lytic cycle, so that even if they do replicate, they are not as effective in replicating as the initial virus? Is there any other way, if apoptosis has been inhibited, for the host cell to impede the replication process?
 
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The immune system is mainly an intracellular defense system. So no.

As for the host cell:

Once the virus's DNA is integrated into the host's DNA, I am not sure the host cell can tell the difference. DNA replication is too specialized and basic to sort and identify the DNAs origin. (as long as the promoters and TATTA boxes are still there)

However I do believe there are methods to interfere with the DNA integration. A certain class of antibiotics, at least, blocks cooperating proteins from delivering the viral DNA.

Take my summation with a grain of salt. I am a little rusty with my science. Looking to get back into a MD or PhD program after a few years outta college.
 

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