Entomology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Entomology, including details on insects, parasites, diseases.

Baculovirus genes affecting host function.

Thiem SM

Department of Entomology, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48825, USA. smthiem@msu.edu

Baculoviruses are insect-specific viruses. These large DNA viruses encode many genes in addition to those required to replicate and build new virions. These auxiliary genes provide selective advantages to the virus for invading and infecting host insects. Eight of these genes, which help the virus overcome insect defenses against invasion, are discussed. These include genes whose products help the virus traverse physical or physiological barriers and those that overcome host immune defenses.

Published 3 April 2009 in In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim, 45(3): 111-26.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2011 Entomology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.