Molecular Virology and Control of Flaviviruses (PDF)

Flaviviruses are a diverse group of small RNA enveloped viruses, many of which are important human and animal pathogens. The best known include dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. These viruses are endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Dengue virus alone infects over 100 million people annually. In recent years, research on flaviviruses has progressed at a remarkable rate, leading to significant advances in our understanding of virus biology; this should ultimately lead to the development of better vaccine and antiviral strategies. The editor of Molecular Virology and Control of Flaviviruses has assembled an up-to-date and cutting-edge anthology from the leading experts in the flavivirus field. Chapters are balanced by contributions from established investigators, who have dedicated their careers to flavivirus research, with those from newcomers who have recently made significant contributions to the flavivirus field. The book opens with a brief introduction then divides into two sections: Molecular Virology (Chapters 2-9) and Virus Prevention (Chapters 10-15). The first section covers: virion structure; virus replication; the NS1 glycoprotein; the NS3 protein; the NS5 protein; innate immunity and flavivirus infection; host responses to flavivirus infection; and flavivirus fitness and transmission. The second section includes: vaccines; antibody therapy; small molecule antiviral development; flavivirus diagnostics; vector-virus interactions; and vector control. The book represents an important update of flavivirus research and will serve as a reference to flavivirus researchers at the graduate level and beyond. A recommended text for all virology libraries.