Adenovirus E1B 19kD Protein

Adenovirus E1B 19kD Protein

A protein encoded by the human adenovirus, which is expressed early (hence the “E”) in the viral replication cycle, transforming host cells and affecting gene transcription, resulting in efficient virus replication within host cells by protecting them against premature cell death by apoptosis induced by another adenoviral protein, E1A, and by the host’s own defence proteins (TNF-alpha, APO-1, TRAIL). Adenovirus mutants lacking the E1B region are more cytolytic and tumouricidal and thus of potential use as vectors for gene therapy; myeloma cells expressing the E1B 19 kD viral protein are resistant to apoptosis.