Nairovirus molecular biology and interaction with host cells

Frias-Staheli, N., Medina, R.A., and Bridgen, A.; Richard Elliot and Alexander Plyusnin

Abstract

A decade ago nairoviruses were the least understood members of the Bunyaviridae family. Today this situation is totally different, with huge advances having been made in the field. These have been in three major areas: (1) sequencing complete genomes, as well as conserved regions of additional viruses, thus allowing phylogenetic analysis, (2) understanding the processes of glycoprotein processing and (3) dissecting three ways in which these viruses avoid the innate immune response, viz. removal of 5' triphosphate groups from viral RNAs to avoid RIG-I activation, the action of the OTU domain in the viral polymerase and delaying activation of the interferon pathway. In addition, two new viruses have been discovered, Kupe virus and Finch Creek virus. However, fundamental gaps in our knowledge still remain. The difficulty of manipulating the viruses through reverse genetic experiments has hampered our understanding of the processes of transcription and replication, and individual gene function. Much also remains to be learnt in terms of pathogenesis, and in particular the genomic regions required to induce severe disease, as well as in the area of vector interactions, drug therapy and vaccine design. If current progress continues, the next decade will provide many more exciting insights.

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Fecha de publicación: 2011
Idioma: English
URL: http://www.horizonpress.com/bunyaviridae
Notas: Fuelled by the application of omics and reverse genetics technologies, impressive progress has been achieved in the field of molecular and cellular biology of Bunyaviridae in recent years. In this book, a panel of international experts review the most important findings, providing a timely and coherent overview of the field. All five genera i.e. Orthobunyavirus, Hantavirus, Nairovirus, Plebovirus and Tospovirus, are covered in seperate chapters. Genetics and evolution of hantaviruses is given a special treatment in chapter 3 while current advances in diagnostics are reviewed in detail in chapter 7. The book closes with an excellent overview of the remaining challenges and future prospects in this fascinating field. The book is essential reading for everyone working on bunyaviruses and related viruses. A recommended text for all virology libraries.