Varicella-zoster Virus - Genetics, Pathogenesis and Immunity

This edited volume provides insights about the molecular virology, pathoenesis of infection and host responses to varicella-zoster virus, which is a medically important human herpesvirus.  

The chapters not only discuss genetics and molecular evolution of the virus, but also new structure-based knowledge on the functions of viral glycoproteins. Further, the authors illustrate how mechanisms from the virus are used to take over and remodel host cells during pathogeneis. These mechanisms also enable viral modulation of host cells and evasion of the host immune response. Part of these evasion and survival strategies, is the reaction to triggered host cell responses like autophagy, the stress response, modulation of apoptosis and other cell death pathways. 

This hands-on knowledge is crucial for students and clinicians in Virology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases.

Chapter 'Common features between stroke following varicella in children and stroke following herpes zoster in adults' is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via Springerlink.com.

Jennifer Moffat, PhD is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse. Her research is focused on humanized mouse models to study the pathogenesis and treatment of varicella zoster virus. 

Allison Abendroth, PhD is Professor of Virology and Immunology at the University of Sydney in the School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health. Professor Abendroth's research group investigates the immunobiology and pathogenesis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) and other human herpesviruses. Her research interests include exploring how these viruses interact with key human cell types important in disease and defining the diverse array of mechanisms that they deploy to evade innate and adaptive immune responses.

Ann Arvin, MD is the Lucile Salter Packard Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Emerita, at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Arvin's laboratory investigates the molecular virology of varicella zoster virus (VZV) pathogenesis and mechanisms of innate and adaptive control of VZV infections.

Stefan L. Oliver, PhD is a Senior Research Scientist in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine.  His research interests include host-pathogen interactions, evolution, and structural biology with a special focus on the membrane fusion mechanisms of viral pathogens.  His multidisciplinary approaches have revealed molecular functions that underpin the mechanics and regulation of herpesvirus glycoprotein-induced membrane fusion.