Viral infection increases mitochondrial vulnerability and enhances TNF-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes

TNFR ligation can induce two diverse signalling events: Survival via NFkB signalling, or apoptosis, involving generation of ROS and caspase activation. The mechanisms that control this decision are still not completely understood. We identified viral infection to induce a deadly outcome of TNFR-signalling: In a novel CD8+ T-cell effector mechanism secreted TNF induces selective clearance of infected hepatocytes, whereas uninfected cells are protected. To investigate the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the sensitisation of infected hepatocytes towards the apoptosis-inducing effect of TNF we use a model of viral…