Virolysis

Virolysis is a process where a virus is destroyed or inactivated. This can occur through various mechanisms, both biological and chemical. In biological systems, the host cell's immune response is a primary driver of virolysis. Immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, can recognize and destroy virus-infected cells, thereby eliminating the virus. Antibodies can also play a role by binding to viral particles and marking them for destruction by other immune components or by directly blocking the virus's ability to infect cells.

Certain antiviral medications can also induce virolysis. These drugs often target specific stages of the viral life cycle, such as viral entry, replication, or assembly, and by disrupting these processes, they can lead to the breakdown or inactivation of the virus. For example, some drugs inhibit viral enzymes essential for replication, preventing the virus from making copies of itself.

Environmental factors can also contribute to virolysis. Exposure to heat, certain disinfectants, and ultraviolet radiation can denature viral proteins and damage viral genetic material, rendering the virus non-infectious. This is the principle behind many sterilization techniques used in healthcare and laboratories to eliminate viruses from surfaces and equipment. The term virolysis is often used in contrast to viral lysis, which refers to the bursting of a host cell caused by the replication and release of viruses.