In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Interferons 2. Characteristics of Interferons 3. Production 4. Mechanism of Action 5. Applications. Meaning of Interferons: Interferons are natural glycoproteins produced by virus-infected eukaryotic cells which protect host cells from virus infection. They were discovered by Isaacs and Lindenmann in 1957 in course of a study of the effect of [...]
In this article we will discuss about the isolation, assay and cultivation of viruses. Isolation of Viruses: Viruses are isolated from infected host cells containing mature virions. The cells are mechanically disrupted and the cell contents are released in a suitable buffer solution. The suspension containing the virions and cell ingredients is then subjected to centrifugation for several times at [...]
The following points highlight the three main steps involved in the process of reproduction in mammalian viruses. The steps are: 1. Attachment 2. Entry into the Host Cell and Release of the Nucleic Acid 3. Biosynthesis of Viral Nucleic Acids and Proteins. Step # 1. Attachment: Attachment involves binding of the virion to the plasma membrane of the host cell. [...]