Molecular Virology
A.Y. 2022/2023
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
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2022/2023 will be provided over the coming months based on the evolution of the public health situation. Lessons will follow the canonical timetable of the course published on the website. Teaching material will be deposited in the ARIEL platform.
The exam is written and consists of 3 open questions. The time available to complete the test is 45 minutes.
The exams, whenever possible, will be held face to face. In case face to face mode is not possible because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the exam will be written and held using an online platform.
The exam is written and consists of 3 open questions. The time available to complete the test is 45 minutes.
The exams, whenever possible, will be held face to face. In case face to face mode is not possible because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the exam will be written and held using an online platform.
Course syllabus
WHAT IS A VIRUS?
- Introduction to Virology
- Laboratory methods to study the infectious cycle
- Virus classification
- Viral Genomics and Genetics
LIFE-CYCLE OF VIRUSES
- Virus Structure
- Attachment and Entry
- DNA virus transcription
- Viral DNA replication
- Viral RNA replication
- Replication of viral genomes encoding a reverse transcriptase: Retroviruses and Hepadnaviruses
- Virus Assembly and Egress
VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION
- Innate immune response to viral infections
- Adaptive immune response to viral infections
- Vaccines against viral infections
- Viral oncogenesis
- Genetic elements of viral origin in the human genome
VIRAL DISEASES AND ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
- AIDS: HIV
- Viral Hepatitis: HBV/HDV/HCV
- Herpes Viruses
- Influenza Virus
- Coronaviruses
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF VIRUSES
- Phage display
- Viral vectors for vaccines and gene therapy
- Introduction to Virology
- Laboratory methods to study the infectious cycle
- Virus classification
- Viral Genomics and Genetics
LIFE-CYCLE OF VIRUSES
- Virus Structure
- Attachment and Entry
- DNA virus transcription
- Viral DNA replication
- Viral RNA replication
- Replication of viral genomes encoding a reverse transcriptase: Retroviruses and Hepadnaviruses
- Virus Assembly and Egress
VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION
- Innate immune response to viral infections
- Adaptive immune response to viral infections
- Vaccines against viral infections
- Viral oncogenesis
- Genetic elements of viral origin in the human genome
VIRAL DISEASES AND ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
- AIDS: HIV
- Viral Hepatitis: HBV/HDV/HCV
- Herpes Viruses
- Influenza Virus
- Coronaviruses
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF VIRUSES
- Phage display
- Viral vectors for vaccines and gene therapy
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of General Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology.
Teaching methods
Lectures and discussion of scientific papers. Attendance is highly recommended. A PDF copy of the lecture slides and/or any other material used for the lectures will be made available to the students.
Teaching Resources
Flint S. Jane; Racaniello V. R.; Rall G.F.; Hatziioannou T.; Skalka A. M.
Principles of Virology - 5a Edizione (2020)
ISBN-13 : 978-1683672845
Lecture slides and note and review papers. Links to selected microbiology and/or virology WEB sites and papers will be provided.
Principles of Virology - 5a Edizione (2020)
ISBN-13 : 978-1683672845
Lecture slides and note and review papers. Links to selected microbiology and/or virology WEB sites and papers will be provided.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and consists of 3 open questions. Maximal score related to complexity of questions. Final score is the sum of scores obtained in the different sections of the exam. The time available to complete the test is 45 minutes.
The exams, whenever possible, will be held face to face. In case face to face mode is not possible because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the exam will be written and held using Exam.net and Safe Exam Browser.
The exam will evaluate:
- the ability of the student to reach course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
- the ability of the student to apply knowledge and understanding
- for open questions, the quality of the writing, also in terms of the ability of the student to use the correct terminology in the field of Molecular Virology and to discuss the different topics in a clear and logic way
The exams, whenever possible, will be held face to face. In case face to face mode is not possible because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the exam will be written and held using Exam.net and Safe Exam Browser.
The exam will evaluate:
- the ability of the student to reach course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
- the ability of the student to apply knowledge and understanding
- for open questions, the quality of the writing, also in terms of the ability of the student to use the correct terminology in the field of Molecular Virology and to discuss the different topics in a clear and logic way
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY
MED/07 - MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
MED/07 - MICROBIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
De Francesco Raffaele
Professor(s)