Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, the student must:

Know how viruses are structured

Understand how viruses enter the cell

Understand how viruses replicate in the cell

Understand what the cell can do to limit viral replication

Understand how viruses exit the cell?

Understand how viruses evolve

Understand how to cultivate viruses

Understand how to identify individuals infected by a virus

Understand how to prevent viral replication in vivo

Goals

Understanding the structure of viruses

Understanding how viruses enter cells

Understanding how viruses replicate within cells

Understanding what cells can do to limit viral replication

Understanding how viruses leave cells

Understanding how viruses evolve

Understanding how to culture viruses

Understanding how to identify individuals infected with a virus

Understanding how to prevent viral replication in vivo

Content

The course will describe the viral cycle, from the entry of the virus into the host organism to the infection of a new individual, including the hijacking of the cellular machinery and the subversion of the immune response. The different taxa will be detailed, in particular during the presentation of the mechanisms of replication of the viral genome. Finally, different antiviral strategies will be presented.

Table of contents

Introduction to virology

Virus culture and identification

Viral genome and genetics

Capsid and envelope structure

Virus attachment and entry

Viral RNA synthesis from an RNA model

Viral RNA transcription and maturation

DNA virus genome replication

Reverse transcriptase and integrase

Translation

Virion assembly, exit and maturation

Virus evolution

Antivirals

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra course with PowerPoint presentations.

Short video covering key concepts.

Assessment method

Written exam covering the material seen in theoretical courses and given during the practical work.

Sources, references and any support material

Principles of Virology, 4th edition, Flint, Racaniello, Rall and Skalka, ASM press, ISBN 978-1-55581-9514

ViralZone, http://viralzone.expasy.org/

Language of instruction

French