Retroviruses comprise a diverse family of enveloped RNA viruses, remarkable for their use of reverse transcription of viral RNA into linear double stranded DNA during replication and the subsequent integration of this DNA into the genome of the host cell. Members of this family include important pathogens such as HIV-1, feline leukemia, and several cancer-causing viruses. However, interest in these viruses extends beyond their disease-causing capabilities. For example, research in this area led to the discovery of oncogenes, a major advance in the field of cancer genetics. Studies of retroviruses have contributed greatly to our understanding of mechanisms that regulate eukaryotic gene expression. In addition, retroviruses are proving to be valuable research tools in molecular biology and have been used successfully in gene therapy (e.g. to treat X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency). Written by the top retroviral specialists, this book reviews the genomics, molecular biology, and pathogenesis of these important viruses, comprehensively covering all the recent advances. Topics include: host and retroelement interactions * endogenous retroviruses * retroviral proteins and genomes * viral entry and uncoating * reverse transcription and integration * transcription * splicing and RNA transport * pathogenesis of oncoviral infections * pathogenesis of immunodeficiency virus infections * retroviral restriction factors, molecular vaccines, and correlates of protection * gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors * non-primate mammalian and fish retroviruses * simian exogenous retroviruses * and HTLV and HIV. It is essential reading for every retrovirologist and it is a recommended text for all virology and molecular biology laboratories.

A select group of highly renowned scientists - among them four Nobel Prize Winners - have been asked to summarize significant developments of their ownrecent research in the life sciences at a workshop organized on the occasionof the opening of the new Paul-Ehrlich-Institut in Langen near Frankfurt/ Main. They do this in a comparative fashion evaluating similar achievements in adjacent fields. Their intellectual state-of-the-art analysis and fascinating outlook on future perspectives provides exciting and stimulating reading. The authors address areas in virology, immunology, oncology and evolution. Intelligent design of vaccines and other immunologial drugs, virus evolution and viruses as nature's engineers, pathology of chronic autoimmune and central nervous system diseases and the biology of mammary cancer belong to the topics discussed. A book easy to read for scientists, doctors and students interested in rapidly developing fields in the life sciences.