Retroviruses

Retroviruses

Cold Spring Harbo Laboratory Press, 10 Skyline Drive, Plainview, NY 11803. 843p., illus. (part in color), bibliog., index. ISBN 0-87969-497-1. $180.00
edited by John M. Coffin, Stephen H. Hughes, Harold E. Varmus. 1997.

Twenty-two contributors have produced a research reference source on retroviruses that is daunting in its size and comprehensiveness. Some 15 years ago, the publisher produced a book on the molecular biology of tumor viruses which could be called the forerunner of this book. "The historical importance of retroviruses in the discovery of cancer genes is now widely appreciated, but many of the recent spectacular revelations about the molecular basis of cancer have occurred in other venues--such as human genetics, cell signaling, and developmental biology--rather than virology. Instead, the central goals of retrovirology today are the treatment and the prevention of AIDS and the use of retroviruses as gene delivery devices."

The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals primarily with viral structure, function, and replication: "Historical Introduction to the General Properties of Retroviruses," "Retroviral Virions and Genomes," "Viral Entry and Receptors," "Reverse Transcriptase and the Generation of Retroviral DNA," "Integration," "Synthesis and Processing of Viral RNA," and "Synthesis, Assembly, and Processing of Viral Proteins." The second part deals with the interplay between the virus and host, focusing primarily on the effects of the virus on the host: "Retrotransposons, Endogenous Retroviruses, and the Evolution of Retroelements," "Development and Applications of Retroviral Vectors," "Retroviral Pathogenesis," "Pathogenesis of HIV and SIV," and "Immunological and Pharmacological Approaches to the Control of Retroviral Infections."

Two appendices provide detailed discussions on "Retroviral Sequences" and "Retroviral Taxonomy, Protein Structures, Sequences, and Genetic Maps." All of the these papers are highly referenced, providing the reader a wealth of resources to consult. "Although it is not possible to understand any aspect of retroviruses, or the retroviral life cycle, in isology, the chapters are intended to be sufficiently complete to be read independently in any order." Referrals are made from one chapter to another when important associated material is provided. This is a highly recommended book for all medical libraries.

Keywords: Retrovirus Infections; Retroviruses

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