Adenovirus Death Protein

Adenovirus Death Protein

A 11.6 kD protein encoded by the E3 early transcription unit in various adenoviruses, which causes rapid lysis of adenovirus-infected cells and release of virus particles, the rapidity and volume of which overwhelms cell mediated immunity, resulting in rapid spread of the virus. Adenovirus death protein overexpression induces cell killing possibly by caspase activation.