The course covers different molecular aspects of the nature of viruses, their evolution, replication, applications in genetic engineering and gene therapy, detection and control by both vaccines and antiviral strategies.
Treated topics include analysis of biochemical and structural aspects of each virus, variability and genetics, pathogenesis and response to anti-viral treatment and generation/selection of resistance to drugs, vaccine availability/development.
All major viral pathogens for humans, including Herpes Viruses, Retroviruses with special focus on HIV-1, hepatitis A, B, C, E and Delta virus, Influenza viruses, Togaviruses, Measles virus and other Paramyxoviruses, Picornaviruses and Coronaviruses, Papovaviruses, Bocaviruses and Polyomaviruses, arboviruses and emergent viruses classified at the highest level of security (P4), including Ebola and Marburg, Lassa, SARS and MERS-Coronaviruses, Nipah and Hendra viruses will be studied. The murine leukemia virus, prions, phages and Baculovirus biology and bacterial antiviral defense mechanisms will also be included in the course with a deep focus on the biotechnological aspects related to their usage in research.
Particular attention will also be put on the interaction between viruses and the immune system. Some aspects of the different defense mechanisms to eliminate infection, including natural and adaptive immune response will be discussed.