InfoCoBuild

Biology W3310: Virology

Biology W3310: Virology (Spring 2011, Columbia University). Instructor: Professor Vincent Racaniello. The basic thesis of the course is that all viruses adopt a common strategy. The strategy is simple:
1. Viral genomes are contained in metastable particles.
2. Genomes encode gene products that promote an infectious cycle (mechanisms for genomes to enter cells, replicate, and exit in particles).
3. Infection patterns range from benign to lethal; infections can overcome or co-exist with host defenses.

The course will emphasize the common reactions that must be completed by all viruses for successful reproduction within a host cell and survival and spread within a host population. The molecular basis of alternative reproductive cycles, the interactions of viruses with host organisms, and how these lead to disease are presented with examples drawn from a set of representative animal and human viruses, although selected bacterial viruses will be discussed.

What is a Virus?


Lecture 01 - What Is a Virus?
Lecture 02 - The Infectious Cycle
Lecture 03 - Genomes and Genetics
Lecture 04 - Structure of Viruses
Lecture 05 - Attachment and Entry
Lecture 06 - RNA Synthesis
Lecture 07 - Replication of DNA Virus Genomes
Lecture 08 - Transcription from DNA Virus Genomes
Lecture 09 - Reverse Transcription and Integration
Lecture 10 - Translation
Lecture 11 - Assembly
Lecture 12 - Infection Basics
Lecture 13 - Host Defense
Lecture 14 - Virus-Host Interactions
Lecture 15 - Viral Evasion Strategies
Lecture 16 - Acute Infections
Lecture 17 - Latency and Persistence
Lecture 18 - HIV Pathogenesis
Lecture 19 - Transformation and Oncogenesis
Lecture 20 - Vaccines
Lecture 21 - Antivirals
Lecture 22 - Evolution
Lecture 23 - Emerging Viruses
Lecture 24 - Usual Infectious Agents
Lecture 25 - XMRV, a New Human Retrovirus?
Lecture 26 - West Nile Story