Will any viruses simply infect different cells after their host cell suicides

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The discussion centers on a recent article about a drug developed by MIT scientists aimed at combating viral infections. A key point raised is the limitation of viral spread due to the process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which occurs in infected cells. During apoptosis, cells break down into apoptotic bodies that are quickly engulfed and destroyed by phagocytes, preventing viruses from infecting other cells. This mechanism highlights a natural defense against viral infections, suggesting that even with new antiviral drugs, the inherent processes of cell death play a crucial role in limiting viral propagation.
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treehouse said:
That is what is on my mind after reading this article: http://healthland.time.com/2011/08/11/mit-scientists-develop-a-drug-to-fight-any-viral-infection/

No they can't. That is because the infected cells die via apoptosis which is programmed cell death. Apoptosis makes a cell disintegrate into many fragments called apototic bodies, which are then engulfed immediately by phagocytes and destroyed by their lysosomes. These apoptotic bodies are membrane bound sealed vesicles so the contents of the cell do not get a chance to actually interact with anything else. Therefore the viruses simply cannot infect other cells after their own host cell suicides.
 

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