Alphaviruses: Current Biology

Abstract

Alphaviruses comprise a fascinating group of small, enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. They are usually transmitted by arthropod vectors (usually mosquitoes). Of the thirty known species, eight are important human pathogens (e.g. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus) whilst one, salmonid alphavirus, is of economic importance to the farmed fish industry. Due to their small size alphaviruses have historically been utilised as model systems for the analysis of viral pathogenesis. Understanding alphavirus molecular biology, pathogenesis and host interactions are key areas of research that have applications not only in disease prevention but also in permitting the exploitation of certain alphaviruses, e.g. Semliki Forest virus, as efficient gene therapy and/or vaccine delivery vehicles. This timely book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in alphavirus research. Written by a team of prominent scientists the main focus is on the pathogenesis and host interactions. Topics covered include: genome structure and replication; viral evolution; laboratory diagnosis and detection; interaction with the interferon system; antiviral responses in mosquitoes; animal models of alphavirus-induced inflammatory disease; clinical manifestations of arthritogenic alphaviruses; encephalitic alphaviruses; the application of alphavirus vectors for gene therapy; and chikungunya virus pathogenesis and the development of control strategies. As the first to focus exclusively on alphaviruses, this book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and clinicians working with alphaviruses and related viruses. Essential reading.