Structure-Function Relationships of Human Pathogenic Viruses provides information on the mechanisms by which viruses enter the cell, replicate, package their DNA into capsids and mature into new virions. The relation between structural features and the pathogenicity and oncogenicity of some of the most relevant human viral pathogens are demonstrated and the acquisition of defense mechanisms through virus-host interactions are presented. In contrast to textbooks, this volume combines timely research data to provide a holistic view of viral pathogenesis.Furthermore Structure-Function Relationships of Human Pathogenic Viruses illustrates in a single volume the fundamental processes involved in viral life cycles using up-to-date information from research laboratories around the world. Knowledge of these processes is crucial to develop rationales for the design of future drugs. The timeliness of the data and the comprehensive yet concise approach this book takes in order to present the world of viral pathogens should make it a frontrunner in higher education and R&D.

Cell entry and egress.- Epstein Barr Virus Glycoproteins and their Roles in Virus Entry and Egress.- Structure and Function of Viral Glycoproteins in Membrane Fusion.- Viral replication.- Viral RNA-directed Polymerases: Structure and Function Relationships.- Marburg Virus Replication and Nucleocapsid Formation: Different Jobs, Same Players.- Viral determinants for capsid formation and packaging.- Packaging DNA into Herpesvirus Capsids.- From Concatemeric DNA into Unit-length Genomes-a Miracle or Clever Genes?.- Determinants for viral maturation.- Role of Envelope Proteins in Measles Virus Assembly.- The Predominant Varicella-zoster Virus gE and gI Glycoprotein Complex.- Expression Strategy and Functions of the Filoviral Glycoproteins.- Pathogenesis.- Prions.- Human Immunodeficiency Virus From Virus Structure to Pathogenesis.- The Role of Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase in Influenza Virus Pathogenicity.- Viral oncogenesis.- Rhadinovirus Pathogenesis.- Interaction of Papillomaviral Oncoproteins with Cellular Factors.- Defense mechanisms.- Cytomegalovirus Glycoproteins Interacting with MHC Class I Molecules and the MHC-encoded Peptide Transporter.- Regulation of Cellular Genes by Cytomegalovirus.