The MC054 long protein binds Interleukin 18 which blocks its two binding sites. Interleukin-18 a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in innate and adaptive immunity and inhibition of interleukin-18 weakens the immune system. The MC066 protein is homologous to human glutathione peroxidase. This protein protects against cellular apoptosis caused by UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide. This shows a mechanism in which the virus can defend itself against environmental stressors. The MC132 protein interacts with the NF-κB subunit p65 and causes p65 degradation. NF-κB is a transcription factor that is immediately activated following virus entry into cells and is important for virus detection, antiviral signaling, inflammation, and clearance of viral infection. Inhibiting and degrading this transcription factor allows the virus to further replicate without attack by the host cell. The MC148 protein acts like a chemokine-like protein and displaces actual chemokines from their G-protein coupled receptors. Chemokines are small proteins of 70-100 amino acid residues which are involved in attracting and activating distinct leukocyte subsets. MC148 blocks this process by being an antagonist to CxC12a and CCR8 receptors. The MC159 protein inhibits TNF-R1–induced NF-κB activation. NF-κB is a transcription factor that is activated in the cytoplasm and translocates to the cell nucleus. It plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response, the cell cycle and apoptosis. The MC160 protein binds heat shock protein 90, keeping it from stabilizing I Kappa Kinase (IKK). IKK is a protein that phosphorylates and inactivates the inhibitor of NF-κB, allowing NF-κB to be activating. When MC160 binds heat shock protein 90, IKK is degraded and the inhibitor remains bound to NF-κB, thus making NF-κB not functional. Related disease Molluscum contagiosum This is a viral infection of the skin that usually presents in children ages 1–10 and immunocompromised patients. The main symptom of this disease is round, hard, flesh colored, painless bumps, with sunken centers that are apparent on the surface of the skin (Figure 1). The bumps are generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter and can become red and inflamed or itchy if a person rubs them. They are generally found on the face, neck, armpits, and hands. However, the bumps may also be found on the genitals of adults if the disease was spread through sexual contact. The virus can be spread directly from person to person through skin to skin contact or through fomites, which are inanimate objects contaminated with the virus. The most