The role of reverse genetics systems in studying viral hemorrhagic fevers

Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is an infectious syndrome in humans often associated with high fatality rates. For most VHFs there are no specific and effective therapies or vaccines available and, in general, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the biology and pathogenesis of the causative agents....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Thrombosis and haemostasis Vol. 94; no. 2; p. 240
Main Authors: Ebihara, Hideki, Groseth, Allison, Neumann, Gabriele, Kawaoka, Yoshihiro, Feldmann, Heinz
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Germany 01.08.2005
Subjects:
Animals
Arenaviridae - genetics
Bunyaviridae - genetics
DNA, Complementary - metabolism
DNA, Viral
Filoviridae - genetics
Flaviviridae - genetics
Genes, Viral
Genetic Techniques
Genome, Viral
Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral - genetics
Humans
Models, Biological
Mutation
RNA, Viral
ISSN:0340-6245
Online Access:Get more information
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Summary:Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is an infectious syndrome in humans often associated with high fatality rates. For most VHFs there are no specific and effective therapies or vaccines available and, in general, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the biology and pathogenesis of the causative agents. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the molecular basis of VHF pathogenesis, including the identification of viral virulence determinants and host interactions and responses, will be important to enhance our ability to control VHF infections. The recently developed "reverse genetics systems" for several VHF causing viruses have allowed the generation of infectious viruses from cloned cDNA and thus, the generation of virus mutants. Here we review the existing reverse genetics systems for VHF causing viruses and discuss their use in studying viral replication, pathogenesis, and the development of antivirals and vaccines.
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ISSN:0340-6245
DOI:10.1160/TH05-05-0335