Biology of Poxviruses

I. Introduction.- A. Scope of the Presentation.- B. Historical Development.- C. Natural Distribution and Classification.- II. The Virus Particles-Elementary Bodies.- A. Isolation and Purification.- B. Structure and Physical Properties.- C. Composition and Physical Properties.- D. Estimating Infectiousness of EB.- E. Virion-Associated Antigens.- F. Virion-Associated Polypeptides.- G. Virion-Associated Enzymatic Activities.- H. Relationship of Virus Proteins and Functions.- III. Organization and Replication of the Genome.- A. Organization.- B. Replication.- IV. Events During Penetration.- A. Adsorption.- B. Penetration from the Surface.- C. The Phenomenon of Uncoating.- V. Transcription and Translation.- A. Early Transcription.- B. Early vs Late Transcription.- C. Translation.- VI. Assembly and Morphogenesis.- A. The Envelope.- B. Differentiation into Mature Virions.- VII. Dissemination from Host Cells.- A. Involvement of Cell Membranes.- B. Occlusion in Proteinaceous Capsules.- VIII. Pathology and Disease.- A. Events at the Cell Surface.- B. Hyperplastic Response.- C. Metabolic Derangements.- D. Systemic Infections.- E. Infection and the Immune System.- IX. Genetics.- A. Introduction.- B. Spontaneous Genetic Variability.- C. Induced Genetic Variability.- D. Rescue and Reactivation Phenomena.- E. Concerning a Natural Reservoir of Poxviruses: Can Genetic Variability Lead to Reemergence of Smallpox?.- Acknowledgments.- References.