Secreted Epidermal Growth Factor Proteins

Vaccinia growth factor stimulates cellular proliferation (hyperplasia) around infected cells. This effect is beneficial for virus replication in vivo, because poxviruses replicate possibly better in proliferating cells than in quiescent cells. Acts by binding host EGFR, inducing its dimerization, autophosphorylation and leading to activation of several cellular pathways regulating cell proliferation or cell survival. The activation by host EFGR of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and extracellular- signal regulated kinases (ERK) are essential for the positive effect of vaccinia growth factor on poxvirus virulence in vivo.