Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology [electronic resource] : Ergebnisse der Mikrobiologie und Immunitätsforschung /

The processes involved in herpesvirus replication, latency, and oncogenic transformation, have, in general, been rather poorly defined. A primary reason for this is the size and complexity of the herpesvirus genome. Undoubtedly, a better understanding of the functions of the viral genome in infected and transformed cells will be achieved through studies with temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of herpesviruses since, theoretically, any essential gene function can be affected by mutants of this type. A. The Herpesviruses A consideration of the genetic analysis of members of the herpesvirus group necessitates a description, albeit brief, of the properties of the group and, most importantly, of their genetic material. The herpesviruses comprise a group of relatively large (100-150 nm), enveloped viruses. The envelope surrounds an icosahedral capsid enclosing a core which contains double­ stranded DNA (ROIZMAN, 1969). The group is thus defined on the basis of a common virion morphology. In addition to a common structure, members of the group share a number of biological properties such as a similar replicative cycle, the ability to cause latent and chronic infections, and the ability to induce antigenic modifications of infected cell membranes. Several herpes­ viruses have been associated recently with malignancies in man and animals (KLEIN, 1972). Herpesviruses are ubiquitous and have been described in over 30 different species (HUNT and MELENDEZ, 1969; WILDY, 1971; FARLEY et aI. , 1972; KAZAMA and SCHORNSTEIN, 1972; NAHMIAS et aI. , 1972; ROlZMAN et aI. , 1973). Their widespread occurrence in nature suggests a common ancestor.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Arber, W. editor., Henle, W. editor., Hofschneider, P. H. editor., Humphrey, J. H. editor., Jerne, N. K. editor., Koldovský, P. editor., Koprowski, H. editor., Maaløe, O. editor., Rott, R. editor., Schweiger, H. G. editor., Sela, M. editor., Syruček, L. editor., Vogt, P. K. editor., SpringerLink (Online service)
Format:	Texto biblioteca
Language:	eng
Published:	Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 1975
Subjects:	Medicine., Life sciences., Medicine & Public Health., Medicine/Public Health, general., Biomedicine general., Life Sciences, general.,
Online Access:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66101-3
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