0
Viruses do not select which cells to attack that way and while one might believe that it may be easier for a virion to attack a "sick" cell, it may actually be more difficult if the cell wall or membrane are affected by the disease affecting the cell in a way that the virus can no longer properly attach to it. Viruses do attach to healthy cells and may also attach to diseased cells. Since a virus is using the host cells to do the work of its reproduction, they need cells capable of doing that. Some diseased cells, such as cancerous cells might be especially good at that job since they have the ability for rapid cell development due to the cancer itself, but other diseased cells may be incapable of accepting and incorporating the genetic materials needed for generating the virions. It is a matter of the virus finding a proper fit between the proteins on their shells (capsid) and the cell membranes. (See the related questions below about the lytic process of virus replication).
Healthy individuals can and do develop immunity to viruses by use of vaccines, a fact long proven in human trials of flu vaccines over decades of use. (See also the related questions below about how vaccines work).
What else can I help you with?
How is cancer is relates to cell cycle?
Cancer is related to the cell cycle because when a person gets infected, the cancerous cells attack healthy cells and then mutate the cells and then it rapidly creates new, mutated cells. The mutated cells then attack more healthy cells and the process is repeated. Cancerous cells can be killed with radiation
Why do white blood cells attack your internal organs?
In a healthy person, white blood cells only attack invading germs, and would not attack the person's own internal organs. However, there are autoimmune diseases, which cause the immune system to become confused and to attack the wrong targets.
Do viruses attack healthy cells?
because they want to make more of their kind
Do body cells kill other body cells?
Typically, healthy body cells do not actively kill other healthy body cells. This process is usually regulated by the immune system to eliminate damaged or infected cells. However, in certain conditions such as autoimmune diseases, the immune system may mistakenly attack healthy cells.
What specialized cells are there in the leaf?
influenza
Is avian influenza unicellular?
No. Influenza viruses, including avian "bird" flu have no cells at all.
Is the influenza virus cellular?
No. Viruses do not have cells.
What is the normal range for the percentage of blast cells in a healthy person?
up to 5 percent
What major problemis associated with medicines which attack invading organisms and abnormal cells?
One major problem associated with medicines targeting invading organisms and abnormal cells is the potential for non-specific toxicity, where healthy cells are also affected. This can lead to various side effects and complications, impacting the overall health of the individual taking the medication. Additionally, resistance can develop in the invading organisms or abnormal cells, making the medicine less effective over time.
What types of cells are affected by Swine Flu?
The major cells affected by influenza viruses, including swine flu H1N1/09, are those in the respiratory system mucous tissues.
What is the neurominidase of a virus?
This is an enzyme that helps the virus to break out of the cell and so they can attack other cells and spread. Since this is an enzyme, a drug that is an enzyme inhibitor can be made to block it. The mumps and influenza viruses have this enzyme. Two such drugs that block this enzyme are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). These two are used for the influenza virus.
How does an oncologist kill cancer cells but not the healthy ones?
Oncologists use targeted therapies that specifically attack cancer cells based on their unique characteristics, such as specific proteins or genetic mutations. This specificity helps to spare healthy cells from damage. Additionally, treatments like chemotherapy can be adjusted based on the type of cancer, its location, and the overall health of the patient to minimize harm to healthy tissues.
