Molecular Virology
A.Y. 2024/2025
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
WHAT IS A VIRUS?
- Introduction to Virology
- Laboratory methods to study the infectious cycle
- Virus classification (Baltimore classes)
- Viral Genomics and Genetics
LIFE-CYCLE OF VIRUSES
- Virus Structure
- Attachment and Entry
- Replication of viral DNA genomes
- Replication of viral RNA genomes
- Replication of viral genomes encoding a reverse transcriptase: Retroviruses and Hepadnaviruses
- Virus Assembly and Egress
VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION
- Mechanisms of pathogenesis
- Immune response to viral infections
- Vaccines against viral infections
VIRAL DISEASES AND ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
- AIDS: HIV
- Viral Hepatitis: HBV/HDV/HCV
- Herpes Viruses
- Influenza Virus
- Coronaviruses
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF VIRUSES
- Use of viruses or bacteriophage in biotechnology
- Viral vectors for vaccines and gene therapy
- Introduction to Virology
- Laboratory methods to study the infectious cycle
- Virus classification (Baltimore classes)
- Viral Genomics and Genetics
LIFE-CYCLE OF VIRUSES
- Virus Structure
- Attachment and Entry
- Replication of viral DNA genomes
- Replication of viral RNA genomes
- Replication of viral genomes encoding a reverse transcriptase: Retroviruses and Hepadnaviruses
- Virus Assembly and Egress
VIRUS-HOST INTERACTION
- Mechanisms of pathogenesis
- Immune response to viral infections
- Vaccines against viral infections
VIRAL DISEASES AND ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
- AIDS: HIV
- Viral Hepatitis: HBV/HDV/HCV
- Herpes Viruses
- Influenza Virus
- Coronaviruses
BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF VIRUSES
- Use of viruses or bacteriophage in biotechnology
- Viral vectors for vaccines and gene therapy
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of General Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology.
Teaching methods
Lectures, practical exercises, and discussion of scientific articles. Attendance is highly recommended (mandatory for practical exercises). Copies of the slides and any other material used during the lectures will be made available to 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 selected scientific papers. Links to selected WEB sites and papers will be provided.
Principles of Virology - 5a Edizione (2020)
ISBN-13 : 978-1683672845
Lecture slides and note and selected scientific papers. Links to selected WEB sites and papers will be provided.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test lasting 45 minutes with multiple-choice questions and/or open-ended questions aimed at evaluating the understanding and personal elaboration of what was presented in the lectures.
The evaluation criteria will include:
- achieving the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
- verifying the ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- for open-ended questions, the quality of the exposition including the mastery of the specific language related to the field of molecular virology and the ability to organize topics clearly and logically
The evaluation criteria will include:
- achieving the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
- verifying the ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- for open-ended questions, the quality of the exposition including the mastery of the specific language related to the field of molecular virology and the ability to organize topics clearly and logically
BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
De Francesco Raffaele
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)