Virology, Emerging Diseases & vaccines

Molecular and Cellular Virology

Viral evolution is a subfield of evolutionary biology and virology that is specifically concerned with the evolution of viruses. Many viruses, in particular RNA viruses, have short generation times and relatively high mutation rates (on the order of one point mutation or more per genome per round of replication for RNA viruses). Virus Genomes are very small and they are incredibly diverse and subject to rapid genetic change. Some viruses also induce host cell death through apoptosis or necrosis, which aids in the release of new virions. In some cases, viruses can establish chronic or latent infections by integrating their genetic material into the host’s genome, avoiding immune detection, and persisting within the host for long periods. Research in molecular and cellular virology has led to significant advances in understanding viral pathogenesis, including how viruses cause diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and respiratory illnesses. This research also provides insights into developing vaccines and antiviral therapies. Understanding how viruses interact with host cells has paved the way for the development of gene therapy, where modified viruses are used to deliver therapeutic genes into cells. This field continues to evolve, providing critical insights into the molecular mechanisms of viral infections and their broader implications for human health.