Human Polyomaviruses

Molecular and Clinical perspectives

Edited by Kamel Khalili and Gerald L. Stoner

Our understanding of human polyomaviruses has evolved profoundly in the last fifteen years, creating an urgent need for an updated resource. Drs. Khalili and Stoner have collected the contributions of renowned researchers and clinicians in this cutting-edge volume.

Human Polyomaviruses: Molecular and Clinical Perspectives presents in-depth analyses, comprehensive reviews, and timely assessments of recent discoveries and ongoing controversies focused on these important viral pathogens. Beginning with an historical perspective, this book covers up-to-date investigations into the molecular biology and pathogenesis of human polyomaviruses. All aspects of these persistent infections are subsequently covered, including clinical issues, from diagnosis to information on treatment and drug trials. Central topics are:

* BK virus

* JC virus

* Simian virus 40 (SV40) and its potential as a human pathogen

* Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

This reference is a superb indoctrination for graduate students, medical students, high-level undergraduates, researchers working in virology, and anyone engaged in the study of DNA viruses and their molecular biology, evolution, transmission, and pathological potential.

For graduate students; medical students; advanced undergraduates; and others studying DNA viruses, their molecular biology, evolution, epidemiology, or pathologic potential, microbiologists from around the world begin with a historical background on the virologists and neuropathologists who pioneered research on the human polyomaviruses. Then they examine the basic science of transcription and replications, regulation, synthesis and assembly, and cellular receptors. Finally, they consider issues involved in diagnosing and treating the difficult and persistent infections they cause, primarily in patients with AIDS, but also those with leukemia and lymphoma.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"...an excellent overview of the human polymaviruses. The book is broad, yet detailed in coverage." (Doody's Health Services, January 20, 2002)

"comprehensive", "well-indexed", "well-referenced", and "contains excellent color plates of histopathology" (Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, April 2002)

"this book, at over 650 pages, is indeed comprehensive" "a useful reference book for interested clinical neurologists, virologists and research scientists" (Microbiology Today, Vol. 29, May 2002)

"This multi-authored book provides a fascinating account of the discovery of JC virus, BK virus and the related Simian polyomavirus SV40, as well as their associated diseases, spanning the past 50 years...Moreover, this unique book really provides a roadmap for future research...It will certainly appeal to all medical and graduate students, to infectious diseases specialists, and those involved in the field of DNA virus research."

—Igor J. Koralnik, M.D., Harvard Medical School)

"It has become necessary to summarize and organize [the] growing body of information about polyomaviruses for the benefit of medical students, general practitioners, as well as specialists [...] Human Polyomaviruses: Molecular and Clinical Perspectives fills this need admirably [...] Coverage of topics is thorough, and includes cogent discussions of all controversies in the field, as well as a comprehensive bibliography [...] This book should provide for very engaging reading to any curious mind interested in viral diseases of man."

—Parmjeet S. Randhawa, M.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

"Human Polyomaviruses" diskutiert ausführlich die historischen, molekularen, klinischen, experimentellen, epidemiologischen und immunologischen Aspekte von humanen Polyomaviren. Darüber hinaus enthält der Band detaillierte Beiträge zur Molekularbiologie und Pathogenese dieser Viren und geht auf neueste Forschungsergebnisse sowie auf aktuelle Kontroversen ein. Er liefert eine umfassende Betrachtung der jüngsten Entwicklungen auf diesem Gebiet und eine detaillierte Analyse der klinischen Aspekte, inklusive Diagnostizierung sowie Informationen zu Behandlung und zu klinischen Versuchsreihen.

Preface.

Contributors.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: The Discovery of a Neurologic Disease (K. ?strom).

Papova Virions in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Discovery at the Interface of Neuropathology, Virology and Oncology (G. Zu Rhein).

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: Cultivation and Characterization of the Etiologic Agent (D. Walker).

Serendipity--The Fortuitous Discovery of BK Virus (W. Knowles).

The Human Polyomaviruses: An Overview (M. Imperiale).

Transcription and Replication in the Human Polyomaviruses (H. Kim, et al.).

The Archetype Concept and Regulatory Region Rearrangement (Y. Yogo &C. Sugimoto).

Synthesis and Assembly of Polyomavirus Virions (Y. Shishido-Hara &K. Nagashima).

Cellular Receptors for the Polyomaviruses (W. Atwood).

Latent and Persistent Polyomavirus Infection (K. Dorries).

Clinical Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: Diagnosis and Treatment (J. Berger &A. Nath).

The Neuropathology and Pathogenesis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (M. Mazlo, et al.).

Laboratory Findings in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (T. Weber).

Molecular Biology of BK Virus and Clinical and Basic Aspects of BK Virus Renal Infection (U. Moens &O. Rekvig).

JC Virus in Experimental and Clinical Brain Tumorigenesis (L. Del Valle, et al.).

Evidence for BK Virus as a Human Tumor Virus (A. Corallini, et al.).

SV40 and Human Tumors (A. Arrington &J. Butel).

Molecular Evolution and Epidemiology of JC Virus (H. Agostini, et al.).

The Epidemiology of BK Virus and the Occurrence of Antigenic and Genomic Subtypes (W. Knowles).

The Epidemiology of SV40 Infection Due to Contaminated Polio Vaccines: Relation of the Virus to Human Cancer (D. Rollison &K. Shah).

The Immune Response to SV40, JCV and BKV (S. Tevethia &T. Schell).

The Human Polyomaviruses: Past, Present, and Future (G. Stoner &R. Hubner).

Index.