Differences in inhibition of apoptosis depending on the virulence of used herpes simplex virus type 1 strains. Function of interferon alpha in apoptotic death of virus infected cells.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is the relation between the virulence of used HSV-1 strains and inhibition of apoptosis. HEp-2 cells were induced to apoptosis by osmotic shock after infection by HSV-1 strains. HSV-1 ts, earlier described as less virulent for mice inhibited apoptosis in smaller degree than native strain and HSV-1 tr. We suggest that this is due to the hyperproduction of IFN alpha by human cells after the stimulation by this strain. All strains of HSV-1 didn't inhibit apoptosis in the presence of IFN alpha and apoptosis was inhibited by anti IFN alpha antibodies. We confirm that IFN alpha plays an important function in controlling acute HSV-1 infection.