Molecular Virology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to help the student learn molecular virology by general principles as opposed to describing each virus family. The rules for viral replication that all viruses follow are illustrated and discussed: while pointing out to the specific features of each virus, the course aims to reveal unity in the virus world rather than diversity. Host-pathogen interactions and examples of viral diseases will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the main principles of vaccine and antiviral drug development.
Expected learning outcomes
After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- Describe the diversity of virus structures and the various molecular strategies viruses use to infect and replicate in the host cell;
- Explain the molecular details of the life cycle of selected pathogenic virus and identify the implications for human disease;
- Comprehend the nature of the antiviral immune response;
- Understand the mechanism of action of antiviral vaccines and drugs;
- Describe the biotechnological importance of viruses, in particular their usage in gene therapy;
- Read, analyse and critically evaluate scientific papers in the field of virology.
- Describe the diversity of virus structures and the various molecular strategies viruses use to infect and replicate in the host cell;
- Explain the molecular details of the life cycle of selected pathogenic virus and identify the implications for human disease;
- Comprehend the nature of the antiviral immune response;
- Understand the mechanism of action of antiviral vaccines and drugs;
- Describe the biotechnological importance of viruses, in particular their usage in gene therapy;
- Read, analyse and critically evaluate scientific papers in the field of virology.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
A - WHAT IS A VIRUS?
1- Introduction to Virology
2- Laboratory methods to study the infectious cycle
3- Viral Genomics and Genetics
B - LIFE-CYCLE OF VIRUSES
4- Virus Structure
5- Attachment and Entry
6- DNA virus transcription
7- Viral DNA replication
8- Viral RNA replication
9- Retroviral Genome Replication
10- Replication of Gapped dsDNA viruses (Hepadnaviruses)
11- Virus Assembly and Egress
C - VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION
12- The infected cell
13- Innate immune response to viral infections
14- Adaptive immune response to viral infections
15- Vaccines against viral infections
D- VIRAL DISEASES AND ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
16- AIDS: HIV
17- Viral Hepatitis: HBV/HDV/HCV
18- Herpes Viruses
19- Influenza Virus
E- VACCINE-PREVENTABLE VIRAL DISEASE
20- Other Respiratory/Air-borne Transmission (RSV, Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
21- Fecal/Oral Transmission: Poliovirus, HAV, HEV, Rotavirus
22- Vector-borne and Emergent Infections (Rabies virus, Flaviviruses; Chikungunya; Ebola )
23- Sexual Transmission: HPV
D- BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
24- Viral vectors for gene therapy
1- Introduction to Virology
2- Laboratory methods to study the infectious cycle
3- Viral Genomics and Genetics
B - LIFE-CYCLE OF VIRUSES
4- Virus Structure
5- Attachment and Entry
6- DNA virus transcription
7- Viral DNA replication
8- Viral RNA replication
9- Retroviral Genome Replication
10- Replication of Gapped dsDNA viruses (Hepadnaviruses)
11- Virus Assembly and Egress
C - VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION
12- The infected cell
13- Innate immune response to viral infections
14- Adaptive immune response to viral infections
15- Vaccines against viral infections
D- VIRAL DISEASES AND ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
16- AIDS: HIV
17- Viral Hepatitis: HBV/HDV/HCV
18- Herpes Viruses
19- Influenza Virus
E- VACCINE-PREVENTABLE VIRAL DISEASE
20- Other Respiratory/Air-borne Transmission (RSV, Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
21- Fecal/Oral Transmission: Poliovirus, HAV, HEV, Rotavirus
22- Vector-borne and Emergent Infections (Rabies virus, Flaviviruses; Chikungunya; Ebola )
23- Sexual Transmission: HPV
D- BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
24- Viral vectors for gene therapy
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of General Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology
Teaching methods
Frontal Instruction/Lectures
Teaching Resources
Nigel J. Dimmock, Andrew J. Easton, Keith N. Leppard
Introduzione alla Virologia moderna
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. 2017
Flint S. Jane; Enquist Lynn W.; Racaniello V. R.; Skalka A. M.
Principles of Virology
ASM. 2015
Lecture slides and note and review papers. Links to selected microbiology and/or virology WEB sites will be provided.
Introduzione alla Virologia moderna
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. 2017
Flint S. Jane; Enquist Lynn W.; Racaniello V. R.; Skalka A. M.
Principles of Virology
ASM. 2015
Lecture slides and note and review papers. Links to selected microbiology and/or virology WEB sites will be provided.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written test with up to 4 open questions to be carried out in 90 minutes.
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY
MED/07 - MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
MED/07 - MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
De Francesco Raffaele
Shifts:
-
Professor:
De Francesco RaffaeleProfessor(s)