FOXDIE

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FOXDIE is a fictional virus from the video game Metal Gear Solid. It is a retrovirus genetically modified to attack a specific person or peoples by identifying their DNA.

FOXDIE works by first infecting the macrophages in the victim's body. It contains smart enzymes created through protein engineering that are programmed to respond to specific genetic patterns in the cells. Recognizing the target's DNA, they then respond to the DNA by becoming active. Using the macrophages they begin creating TNF epsilon which is a type of cytokine, a peptide which causes cells to die. The TNF epsilon is carried along the bloodstream to the heart and there they attach to the TNF receptors in the heart cells. The heart cells suffer a shock and undergo an extreme apoptosis; in other words, the heart cells commit suicide. This kills the carrier with what appears to be a heart attack.

Dr. Naomi Hunter of FOXHOUND injected the FOXDIE virus into an unaware Solid Snake as part of his mission. Snake was being used to spread FOXDIE among the Genome Soldiers, FOXHOUND and Kenneth Baker, the president of Arms-Tech, so that the Pentagon could recover Metal Gear REX unharmed along with the bodies of the rogue FOXHOUND members. However, at the last moment Naomi made an unknown change to the program. At the end of Shadow Moses incident, FOXDIE kills Liquid Snake (Solid Snake's genetically altered twin brother and the terrorist leader), leaving Solid Snake's own survival into question.

It was later revealed (as documented in the story, In the Darkness of Shadow Moses) that Solid Snake was indeed scheduled to be one of FOXDIE's targets and that Snake's incubation period was altered by Naomi to a wildcard value, thus leaving Snake vulnerable to a FOXDIE attack at any moment. (It's possible that his genetic duplicate's death could have negated this. In addition, it's possible that Naomi cured Snake after her 'escape' from military custody.)

A theory on Snake and FOXDIE has been formed based on footage from the TGS 2005 trailer as well. In it, Snake is seen injecting himself with an unknown liquid and many believe it to be a temporary treatment for the FOXDIE, a theory supported by Naomi's appearance as an apparent "good" character. The injection is also possibly a simple cough medicine.

FOXDIE

See also