VIR-30806 Fundamental and Applied Virology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

Thesis Virology

Contents:

In this course interactions between viruses and their hosts will be discussed, with focus on arthropod-borne viruses of plants and animals (including humans), insect pathogenic viruses and viruses of aquatic organisms (e.g. shrimps and crayfish). The course starts with an introduction to virology, i.e. the biodiversity and evolution of viruses. With respect to plant-infecting viruses the viral infection process, molecular and ecological aspects of their transmission by insects and their control, including biotechnological approaches, will be discussed. With respect to insect viruses the emphasis will be on the baculoviruses and their interaction with host insects. The application of these viruses in biocontrol of pest insects in horticulture, agriculture and forestry and the potential improvement using genetic engineered approaches are discussed. With respect to viruses of aquatic organisms, insights in the biology of these emerging viruses as well as strategies for the development of vaccines are discussed. To provide the students with a broad view on virology, a concluding series of lectures will illustrate the (re-)emergence of animal viruses, in particular the risks of insect-borne animal viruses for humans and the occurrence of zoonosis, i.e. the accidental transmission of animal viruses to humans.

Learning outcomes:

After this course the students will be able to:
- comprehend the genetic make-up of viruses;
- prepare purified virus;
- comprehend the mechanisms that drive virus evolution;
- explain the biodiversity of viruses;
- comprehend the interactions between plant-pathogenic viruses and their hosts, i.e. comprehend the infection process;
- explain the behavior of a virus in the plant host;
- analyze infected host cells and examine principles of virus movement;
- comprehend the mechanisms by which plants viruses are transmitted by biological vectors, especially insects;
- explain how viruses spread in a crop;
- comprehend current strategies for plant virus detection;
- apply several tools for virus detection;
- comprehend strategies of virus control, including biotechnological approaches;
- recognize/analyze resistant mechanisms;
- comprehend interactions between the insect-pathogenic baculoviruses and their hosts;
- comprehend the genetic functions of the genome of these viruses;
- comprehend the biocontrol strategies for pest insects using baculoviruses;
- comprehend genetic engineering strategies for improving baculoviruses for biocontrol;
- apply infectivity assays (bio-assays) for analysis of virulence of (recombinant) viruses;
- comprehend the conditions and mechanisms that lead to the emergence of new virus diseases both for plant and animal host organisms;
- report on experiments performed: I.e. describe results, analyze and interpret these results, evaluate and make conclusions in view of literature.

Activities:

Interactive lectures (2 credit points, C) providing the theoretical knowledge required. A case study will be done (1 credit point, PO) in which the student will be stimulated to focus on in-depth analysis of a virological problem, using www as well as recent literature, and related to this a potential thesis subject will be formulized together with a tutor/thesis supervisor. During the practicals (1 credit point, PI) the student will be trained in a series of specific technologies and assays as used in plant and insect virology and to be used in a possible thesis research project.

Examination:

Individual judgment based on a written examination, using both multiple choice and open questions related to the content of the lectures (C), practicals (PI) and case study (PO).

Literature:

A "study manual", review articles and practical course text will be handed out prior to the course.