Subversion of cellular stress responses by poxviruses

Figure 4 Role of poxvirus proteins in cell redox homeostasis. ROS are produced during physiological and stress conditions, for instance, during energetic metabolism in the mitochondria, and are detoxified by cellular enzymes (SOD, CAT, Prx, GPx) into water and oxygen. Poxviruses code proteins with homology to SOD, inhibiting the conversion of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, MC066L gene product is homologous to the human GPx and can protect host cells of peroxide accumulation. ROS: Reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; CAT: Catalase; Prx: Peroxiredoxin; GPx: Glutathione peroxidase.