P53 is a multifunctional protein with a molecular weight of 53 kDa that is activated in response to a variety of cellular stresses . It contributes to the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and to induce apoptosis is involved in the regulation of gene transcription in the process of cell differentiation and angiogenesis , and its best-known function, repair of DNA damage . Necessary in situations of cellular stress , which might jeopardize the integrity of the genome , known as the " guardian of the genome " . Infected cell seeks to prevent viral gene expression by running the apoptotic pathway , since her death can stop the spread of infection . In the interest of the virus is as soon as possible duplication of the genome and the maximum deferral of apoptosis, it also tends to activate the cell cycle. Different viruses in the course of co-evolution of the host organism developed a series of complex mechanisms of cellular modification of biochemical pathways taken towards self-destruction , in which the primary purpose of the virus is p53 . In this article the general characteristics of p53 paying particular attention to the strategies used by viruses during infection.