Latency Strategies of Herpesviruses

This volume provides an overview of the latency strategies developed during the estimated 200 Myears long coevolution of Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaherpesvirinae and their host species. The main emphasis is on herpesviruses infecting humans. However, relevant cases if herpesviruses infecting animals are covered as well. Special emphasis is drawn on results on molecular mechanisms regulating latent promoters of herpesvirus genomes and signals and molecular pathways resulting in reactivation of latent viral genomes. To balance the volume, epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure) involved in cell type specific expression of growth-transformation-associated Gammaherpesvirus genes will also be discussed at length)This volume provides an overview of the latency strategies developed during the estimated 200,000 year-long coevolution of Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaherpesvirinae and their host species. While the main emphasis is on herpesviruses infecting humans, relevant cases if herpesviruses infecting animals are covered as well. §Special emphasis is given to results on molecular mechanisms regulating latent promoters of herpesvirus genomes and signals and molecular pathways resulting in reactivation of latent viral genomes.Latency is a fascinating property of herpesviruses which ensures the maintenance of their genetic information in their hosts for an extended period in the absence of productive virus replication. Focusing on human herpesviruses and animal models of herpesvirus-associated human diseases, this is the first book dealing with the intricate epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, alteration of chromatin structure) that regulate latency-associated transcription. Special attention is given to immune evasion "tricks" blocking immune responses to herpesvirus infected cells and viral RNAs and proteins involved in malignant transformation. Latency Strategies of Herpesviruses is an ideal book for researchers, scientists and graduate students in the fields of virology, immunology, microbiology, bacteriology, and veterinary medicine.