3 – Adenovirus Replication

Adenoviruses have been studied for more than half a century, unraveling the profound range of virus–host interactions. Expression of the viral genes is temporally regulated. Early gene products are involved in viral DNA replication and regulate many processes including cellular proliferation, cellular antiviral responses, and host immune responses. Viral late proteins are involved in virus assembly and serve regulatory functions. Studies into adenovirus biology have contributed to the fields of cell biology, DNA replication, gene expression, translation, immunology, and cancer. There are still many unsolved questions about adenovirus biology as the growing cases of serious adenovirus infections in immunologically compromised individuals rise. There is still no virus-specific therapy available. Additionally, with the widespread use of adenovirus gene therapy vectors, it is becoming increasingly important to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of infection.