Author: Juan Carlos Saiz
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3039436236
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 166
Book Description
RNA viruses cause animal, human, and zoonotic diseases that affect millions of individuals, as is being exemplified by the devastating ongoing epidemic of the recently identified SARS-Cov-2. For years vaccines have had an enormous impact on overcoming the global burden of diseases. Nowadays, a vast number of different approaches, from purified inactivated and live attenuated viruses, nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) based candidates, virus-like particles, subunit elements, and recombinant viruses are been employed to combat viruses. However, for many of them efficient vaccines are not yet available. This will probably change dramatically with the current Covid-19 pandemic, as a vast variety of vaccinology approaches are being tested against it, with hundreds of candidates under development, dozens of them already in clinical trials, a fact that is breaking records in vaccine development and implementation. This is becoming possible thanks to the enormous work carried out during years to have the bases for a quick response, even against unknown pathogens, in an impressive short time. Here, results obtained with different vaccine´s methodological approaches against human (HIV, HCV, HRV) animal (PRRSV, PEDV, FMDV, VHSV) and zoonotic (RVF, WNV), RNA viruses are presented by field experts.
Vaccines against RNA Viruses
Author: Juan Carlos Saiz
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3039436236
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 166
Book Description
RNA viruses cause animal, human, and zoonotic diseases that affect millions of individuals, as is being exemplified by the devastating ongoing epidemic of the recently identified SARS-Cov-2. For years vaccines have had an enormous impact on overcoming the global burden of diseases. Nowadays, a vast number of different approaches, from purified inactivated and live attenuated viruses, nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) based candidates, virus-like particles, subunit elements, and recombinant viruses are been employed to combat viruses. However, for many of them efficient vaccines are not yet available. This will probably change dramatically with the current Covid-19 pandemic, as a vast variety of vaccinology approaches are being tested against it, with hundreds of candidates under development, dozens of them already in clinical trials, a fact that is breaking records in vaccine development and implementation. This is becoming possible thanks to the enormous work carried out during years to have the bases for a quick response, even against unknown pathogens, in an impressive short time. Here, results obtained with different vaccine´s methodological approaches against human (HIV, HCV, HRV) animal (PRRSV, PEDV, FMDV, VHSV) and zoonotic (RVF, WNV), RNA viruses are presented by field experts.
Publisher: MDPI
ISBN: 3039436236
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 166
Book Description
RNA viruses cause animal, human, and zoonotic diseases that affect millions of individuals, as is being exemplified by the devastating ongoing epidemic of the recently identified SARS-Cov-2. For years vaccines have had an enormous impact on overcoming the global burden of diseases. Nowadays, a vast number of different approaches, from purified inactivated and live attenuated viruses, nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) based candidates, virus-like particles, subunit elements, and recombinant viruses are been employed to combat viruses. However, for many of them efficient vaccines are not yet available. This will probably change dramatically with the current Covid-19 pandemic, as a vast variety of vaccinology approaches are being tested against it, with hundreds of candidates under development, dozens of them already in clinical trials, a fact that is breaking records in vaccine development and implementation. This is becoming possible thanks to the enormous work carried out during years to have the bases for a quick response, even against unknown pathogens, in an impressive short time. Here, results obtained with different vaccine´s methodological approaches against human (HIV, HCV, HRV) animal (PRRSV, PEDV, FMDV, VHSV) and zoonotic (RVF, WNV), RNA viruses are presented by field experts.
The Vaccine Book
Author: Barry R. Bloom
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012805400X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 666
Book Description
The Vaccine Book, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on the current and future state of vaccines. It reveals the scientific opportunities and potential impact of vaccines, including economic and ethical challenges, problems encountered when producing vaccines, how clinical vaccine trials are designed, and how to introduce vaccines into widespread use. Although vaccines are now available for many diseases, there are still challenges ahead for major diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This book is designed for students, researchers, public health officials, and all others interested in increasing their understanding of vaccines. It answers common questions regarding the use of vaccines in the context of a rapidly expanding anti-vaccine environment. This new edition is completely updated and revised with new and unique topics, including new vaccines, problems of declining immunization rates, trust in vaccines, the vaccine hesitancy, and the social value of vaccines for the community vs. the individual child's risk. - Provides insights into diseases that could be prevented, along with the challenges facing research scientists in the world of vaccines - Gives new ideas about future vaccines and concepts - Introduces new vaccines and concepts - Gives ideas about challenges facing public and private industrial investors in the vaccine area - Discusses the problem of declining immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012805400X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 666
Book Description
The Vaccine Book, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on the current and future state of vaccines. It reveals the scientific opportunities and potential impact of vaccines, including economic and ethical challenges, problems encountered when producing vaccines, how clinical vaccine trials are designed, and how to introduce vaccines into widespread use. Although vaccines are now available for many diseases, there are still challenges ahead for major diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This book is designed for students, researchers, public health officials, and all others interested in increasing their understanding of vaccines. It answers common questions regarding the use of vaccines in the context of a rapidly expanding anti-vaccine environment. This new edition is completely updated and revised with new and unique topics, including new vaccines, problems of declining immunization rates, trust in vaccines, the vaccine hesitancy, and the social value of vaccines for the community vs. the individual child's risk. - Provides insights into diseases that could be prevented, along with the challenges facing research scientists in the world of vaccines - Gives new ideas about future vaccines and concepts - Introduces new vaccines and concepts - Gives ideas about challenges facing public and private industrial investors in the vaccine area - Discusses the problem of declining immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy
Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy
Author: Nima Rezaei
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128140402
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Therapeutic cancer vaccines represent a type of active cancer immunotherapy. Clinicians, scientists, and researchers working on cancer treatment require evidence-based and up-to-date resources relating to therapeutic cancer vaccines. Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy provides a reference for cancer treatment for clinicians and presents a well-organized resource for determining high-potential research areas. The book considers that this promising modality can be made more feasible as a treatment for cancer. Chapters cover cancer immunology, general approaches to cancer immunotherapy, vaccines, tumor antigens, the strategy of allogeneic and autologous cancer vaccines, personalized vaccines, whole-tumor antigen vaccines, protein and peptide vaccines, dendritic cell vaccines, genetic vaccines, candidate cancers for vaccination, obstacles to developing therapeutic cancer vaccines, combination therapy, future perspectives and concluding remarks on therapeutic cancer vaccines. - Introduces the feasible immunotherapeutic vaccines for patients with different types of cancer - Presents the status of past and current vaccines for cancer treatment - Considers advantages and disadvantages of different therapeutic cancer vaccines - Looks at the combination of vaccines and other modalities, including immunotherapeutic and conventional methods - Analyzes obstacles to development of therapeutic cancer vaccines - Gives a view on future perspectives in the application of therapeutic cancer vaccines
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128140402
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 200
Book Description
Therapeutic cancer vaccines represent a type of active cancer immunotherapy. Clinicians, scientists, and researchers working on cancer treatment require evidence-based and up-to-date resources relating to therapeutic cancer vaccines. Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy provides a reference for cancer treatment for clinicians and presents a well-organized resource for determining high-potential research areas. The book considers that this promising modality can be made more feasible as a treatment for cancer. Chapters cover cancer immunology, general approaches to cancer immunotherapy, vaccines, tumor antigens, the strategy of allogeneic and autologous cancer vaccines, personalized vaccines, whole-tumor antigen vaccines, protein and peptide vaccines, dendritic cell vaccines, genetic vaccines, candidate cancers for vaccination, obstacles to developing therapeutic cancer vaccines, combination therapy, future perspectives and concluding remarks on therapeutic cancer vaccines. - Introduces the feasible immunotherapeutic vaccines for patients with different types of cancer - Presents the status of past and current vaccines for cancer treatment - Considers advantages and disadvantages of different therapeutic cancer vaccines - Looks at the combination of vaccines and other modalities, including immunotherapeutic and conventional methods - Analyzes obstacles to development of therapeutic cancer vaccines - Gives a view on future perspectives in the application of therapeutic cancer vaccines
Biomedical Innovations to Combat COVID-19
Author: Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0323902499
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 411
Book Description
Biomedical Innovations to Combat COVID-19 provides an updated overview on the development of vaccines, antiviral drugs and nanomaterials, and diagnostic methods for the fight against COVID-19. Perspectives on such technologies are identified, discussed, and enriched with figures for easy understanding and applicability. Furthermore, it contains basic aspects of virology, immunology, and antiviral drugs that are needed to fully appreciate these innovations. This book is split into four sections: introduction, presenting basic virologic and epidemiological aspects of COVID-19; vaccines against COVID-19, discussing their different types and applications used to develop them; diagnostic approaches for SARS-CoV-2, encompassing advanced sensing and microfluidic-based biosensors; and drug development and delivery, where antivirals based on nanomaterials or drugs are presented. It is a valuable source for virologists, biotechnologists, and members of biomedical field interested in learning more about how novel technologies can be applied to fasten the eradication of the COVID-19 and similar pandemics. - Presents updated literature coverage summarizing the most relevant information on COVID-19 - Written by experts from diverse scientific domains in order to provide readers with a thorough view on the subject - Encompasses tables, figures and information trees especially developed for the book in order to condense and highlight key points for quick reference
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0323902499
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 411
Book Description
Biomedical Innovations to Combat COVID-19 provides an updated overview on the development of vaccines, antiviral drugs and nanomaterials, and diagnostic methods for the fight against COVID-19. Perspectives on such technologies are identified, discussed, and enriched with figures for easy understanding and applicability. Furthermore, it contains basic aspects of virology, immunology, and antiviral drugs that are needed to fully appreciate these innovations. This book is split into four sections: introduction, presenting basic virologic and epidemiological aspects of COVID-19; vaccines against COVID-19, discussing their different types and applications used to develop them; diagnostic approaches for SARS-CoV-2, encompassing advanced sensing and microfluidic-based biosensors; and drug development and delivery, where antivirals based on nanomaterials or drugs are presented. It is a valuable source for virologists, biotechnologists, and members of biomedical field interested in learning more about how novel technologies can be applied to fasten the eradication of the COVID-19 and similar pandemics. - Presents updated literature coverage summarizing the most relevant information on COVID-19 - Written by experts from diverse scientific domains in order to provide readers with a thorough view on the subject - Encompasses tables, figures and information trees especially developed for the book in order to condense and highlight key points for quick reference
RNA Viruses
Author: Decheng Yang
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 981283379X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 722
Book Description
This is the first comprehensive book on human/animal gene responses to RNA viral infections, including prevalent, emerging and re-emerging RNA viruses such as HIV, SARS-CoV, West Nile virus, influenza virus and many others. Human gene responses are reviewed by leading virologists worldwide in the following aspects: (i) the altered gene expression profiles at the transcriptional and translational levels detected with cutting-edge technologies such as cDNA microarray and proteomics; (ii) host innate and adapted immune responses to viral replication in target organs; (iii) virus-activated signal transduction pathways in cell survival, apoptosis and autophagosomal pathways; and (iv) the small interfering RNA/microRNA-mediated gene silencing pathway, a recently characterized new host defense mechanism against viral infection. Organized into 29 highly accessible and well-illustrated chapters, this volume explores state-of-the-art knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of RNA virus infection and host?virus interactions. This comprehensive compilation of the altered gene expression profiles and signal transduction pathways in host cells in response to the majority of human/animal RNA viruses opens new directions for basic and clinical research on viral pathogenesis, and also provides valuable biomarkers for researchers to select gene targets in the development of diagnostic tests and antiviral therapeutics for a number of infectious diseases.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 981283379X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 722
Book Description
This is the first comprehensive book on human/animal gene responses to RNA viral infections, including prevalent, emerging and re-emerging RNA viruses such as HIV, SARS-CoV, West Nile virus, influenza virus and many others. Human gene responses are reviewed by leading virologists worldwide in the following aspects: (i) the altered gene expression profiles at the transcriptional and translational levels detected with cutting-edge technologies such as cDNA microarray and proteomics; (ii) host innate and adapted immune responses to viral replication in target organs; (iii) virus-activated signal transduction pathways in cell survival, apoptosis and autophagosomal pathways; and (iv) the small interfering RNA/microRNA-mediated gene silencing pathway, a recently characterized new host defense mechanism against viral infection. Organized into 29 highly accessible and well-illustrated chapters, this volume explores state-of-the-art knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of RNA virus infection and host?virus interactions. This comprehensive compilation of the altered gene expression profiles and signal transduction pathways in host cells in response to the majority of human/animal RNA viruses opens new directions for basic and clinical research on viral pathogenesis, and also provides valuable biomarkers for researchers to select gene targets in the development of diagnostic tests and antiviral therapeutics for a number of infectious diseases.
Immunization Safety Review
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309086108
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 118
Book Description
The Immunization Safety Review Committee was established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to evaluate the evidence on possible causal associations between immunizations and certain adverse outcomes, and to then present conclusions and recommendations. The committee's mandate also includes assessing the broader societal significance of these immunization safety issues. While all the committee members share the view that immunization is generally beneficial, none of them has a vested interest in the specific immunization safety issues that come before the group. The committee reviews three immunization safety review topics each year, addressing each one at a time. In this fifth report in a series, the committee examines the hypothesis that exposure to polio vaccine contaminated with simian virus 40 (SV40), a virus that causes inapparent infection in some monkeys, can cause certain types of cancer.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309086108
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 118
Book Description
The Immunization Safety Review Committee was established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to evaluate the evidence on possible causal associations between immunizations and certain adverse outcomes, and to then present conclusions and recommendations. The committee's mandate also includes assessing the broader societal significance of these immunization safety issues. While all the committee members share the view that immunization is generally beneficial, none of them has a vested interest in the specific immunization safety issues that come before the group. The committee reviews three immunization safety review topics each year, addressing each one at a time. In this fifth report in a series, the committee examines the hypothesis that exposure to polio vaccine contaminated with simian virus 40 (SV40), a virus that causes inapparent infection in some monkeys, can cause certain types of cancer.
Reverse Genetics of RNA Viruses
Author: Anne Bridgen
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111840534X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
Reverse genetics, the genetic manipulation of RNA viruses to create a wild-type or modified virus, has led to important advances in our understanding of viral gene function and interaction with host cells. Since many severe viral human and animal pathogens are RNA viruses, including those responsible for polio, measles, rotaviral diarrhoea and influenza infections, it is also an extremely powerful technique with important potential application for the prevention and control of a range of human and animal viral diseases. Reverse Genetics of RNA Viruses provides a comprehensive account of the very latest developments in reverse genetics of RNA viruses through a wide range of applications within each of the core virus groups including; positive sense, negative sense and double stranded RNA viruses. Written by a team of international experts in the field, it provides a unique insight into how the field has developed, what problems are being addressed now and where applications may lead in the future. It will prove invaluable to bioscience, medical and veterinary students, those starting research in this area as well as other researchers and teachers needing to update their knowledge of this fast-moving field. An authoritative, comprehensive overview of reverse genetics in RNA Viruses. Includes numerous examples of cutting- edge applications of reverse genetics within each of the RNA viral groups. Written by a team of international experts, including some of the leading researchers in the field.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111840534X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
Reverse genetics, the genetic manipulation of RNA viruses to create a wild-type or modified virus, has led to important advances in our understanding of viral gene function and interaction with host cells. Since many severe viral human and animal pathogens are RNA viruses, including those responsible for polio, measles, rotaviral diarrhoea and influenza infections, it is also an extremely powerful technique with important potential application for the prevention and control of a range of human and animal viral diseases. Reverse Genetics of RNA Viruses provides a comprehensive account of the very latest developments in reverse genetics of RNA viruses through a wide range of applications within each of the core virus groups including; positive sense, negative sense and double stranded RNA viruses. Written by a team of international experts in the field, it provides a unique insight into how the field has developed, what problems are being addressed now and where applications may lead in the future. It will prove invaluable to bioscience, medical and veterinary students, those starting research in this area as well as other researchers and teachers needing to update their knowledge of this fast-moving field. An authoritative, comprehensive overview of reverse genetics in RNA Viruses. Includes numerous examples of cutting- edge applications of reverse genetics within each of the RNA viral groups. Written by a team of international experts, including some of the leading researchers in the field.
Synthetic mRNA
Author: Robert E. Rhoads
Publisher: Humana
ISBN: 9781493936236
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This volume presents detailed laboratory protocols for in vitro synthesis of mRNA with favorable properties, its introduction into cells by a variety of techniques, and the measurement of physiological and clinical consequences such as protein replacement and cancer immunotherapy. Synthetic techniques are described for structural features in mRNA that provide investigational tools such as fluorescence emission, click chemistry, photo-chemical crosslinking, and that produce mRNA with increased stability in the cell, increased translational efficiency, and reduced activation of the innate immune response. Protocols are described for clinical applications such as large-scale transfection of dendritic cells, production of GMP-grade mRNA, redirecting T cell specificity, and use of molecular adjuvants for RNA vaccines. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Synthetic mRNA: Production, Introduction into Cells, and Physiological Consequences is a valuable and cutting-edge resource for both laboratory investigators and clinicians interested in this powerful and rapidly evolving technology.
Publisher: Humana
ISBN: 9781493936236
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This volume presents detailed laboratory protocols for in vitro synthesis of mRNA with favorable properties, its introduction into cells by a variety of techniques, and the measurement of physiological and clinical consequences such as protein replacement and cancer immunotherapy. Synthetic techniques are described for structural features in mRNA that provide investigational tools such as fluorescence emission, click chemistry, photo-chemical crosslinking, and that produce mRNA with increased stability in the cell, increased translational efficiency, and reduced activation of the innate immune response. Protocols are described for clinical applications such as large-scale transfection of dendritic cells, production of GMP-grade mRNA, redirecting T cell specificity, and use of molecular adjuvants for RNA vaccines. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Synthetic mRNA: Production, Introduction into Cells, and Physiological Consequences is a valuable and cutting-edge resource for both laboratory investigators and clinicians interested in this powerful and rapidly evolving technology.
Pandemic Outbreaks in the 21st Century
Author: Viswanath Buddolla
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323900011
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
In the past two decades, several pandemics have ravaged the globe, giving us several lessons on infectious disease epidemiology, the importance of initial detection and characterization of outbreak viruses, the importance of viral epidemic prevention steps, and the importance of modern vaccines. Pandemic Outbreaks in the Twenty-First Century: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment summarizes the improvements in the 21st century to overcome / prevent / treat global pandemic with future prospective. Divided into 9 chapters, the book begins with an in-depth introduction to the lessons learned from the first pandemic of the 21st century. It describes the history, present and future in terms of detection, prevention and treatment. Followed by chapters on the outbreak, treatment strategies and clinical management of several infectious diseases like MERS, SARD and COVID 19, Pandemic Outbreaks in the Twenty-First Century: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment, presents chapters on immunotherapies and vaccine technologies to combat pandemic outbreak and challenges. The book finishes with a chapter on the current knowledge and technology to control pandemic outbreaks. All are presented in a practical short format, making this volume a valuable resource for very broad academic audience. Provides insight to the lessons learned from past pandemics Gives recommendations, future direction in terms of detection, prevention and treatment of pandemics Guides readers through the status and recent developments of vaccines to overcome or prevent pandemics Shows how to enhance the host innate immunity in infectious diseases Includes a chapter on immunotherapies to combat pandemic outbreaks
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323900011
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 328
Book Description
In the past two decades, several pandemics have ravaged the globe, giving us several lessons on infectious disease epidemiology, the importance of initial detection and characterization of outbreak viruses, the importance of viral epidemic prevention steps, and the importance of modern vaccines. Pandemic Outbreaks in the Twenty-First Century: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment summarizes the improvements in the 21st century to overcome / prevent / treat global pandemic with future prospective. Divided into 9 chapters, the book begins with an in-depth introduction to the lessons learned from the first pandemic of the 21st century. It describes the history, present and future in terms of detection, prevention and treatment. Followed by chapters on the outbreak, treatment strategies and clinical management of several infectious diseases like MERS, SARD and COVID 19, Pandemic Outbreaks in the Twenty-First Century: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment, presents chapters on immunotherapies and vaccine technologies to combat pandemic outbreak and challenges. The book finishes with a chapter on the current knowledge and technology to control pandemic outbreaks. All are presented in a practical short format, making this volume a valuable resource for very broad academic audience. Provides insight to the lessons learned from past pandemics Gives recommendations, future direction in terms of detection, prevention and treatment of pandemics Guides readers through the status and recent developments of vaccines to overcome or prevent pandemics Shows how to enhance the host innate immunity in infectious diseases Includes a chapter on immunotherapies to combat pandemic outbreaks
Structural Virology
Author: Mavis Agbandje-McKenna
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 184973223X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 389
Book Description
Over the last ten years, much effort has been devoted to improving the biophysical techniques used in the study of viruses. This has resulted in the visualization of these large macromolecular assemblages at atomic level, thus providing the platform for functional interpretation and therapeutic design. Structural Virology covers a wide range of topics and is split into three sections. The first discusses the vast biophysical methodologies used in structural virology, including sample production and purification, confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, negative-stain and cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The second discusses the role of virus capsid protein structures in determining the functional roles required for receptor recognition, cellular entry, capsid assembly, genome packaging and mechanisms of host immune system evasion. The last section discusses therapeutic strategies based on virus protein structures, including the design of antiviral drugs and the development of viral capsids as vehicles for foreign gene delivery. Each topic covered will begin with a review of the current literature followed by a more detailed discussion of experimental procedures, a step in the viral life cycle, or strategies for therapeutic development. With contributions from experts in the field of structural biology and virology this exceptional monograph will appeal to biomedical scientists involved in basic and /or applied research on viruses. It also provides up-to-date reference material for students entering the field of structural virology as well as scientists already familiar with the area.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
ISBN: 184973223X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 389
Book Description
Over the last ten years, much effort has been devoted to improving the biophysical techniques used in the study of viruses. This has resulted in the visualization of these large macromolecular assemblages at atomic level, thus providing the platform for functional interpretation and therapeutic design. Structural Virology covers a wide range of topics and is split into three sections. The first discusses the vast biophysical methodologies used in structural virology, including sample production and purification, confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, negative-stain and cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The second discusses the role of virus capsid protein structures in determining the functional roles required for receptor recognition, cellular entry, capsid assembly, genome packaging and mechanisms of host immune system evasion. The last section discusses therapeutic strategies based on virus protein structures, including the design of antiviral drugs and the development of viral capsids as vehicles for foreign gene delivery. Each topic covered will begin with a review of the current literature followed by a more detailed discussion of experimental procedures, a step in the viral life cycle, or strategies for therapeutic development. With contributions from experts in the field of structural biology and virology this exceptional monograph will appeal to biomedical scientists involved in basic and /or applied research on viruses. It also provides up-to-date reference material for students entering the field of structural virology as well as scientists already familiar with the area.