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The protein shell that encases the viral genome; made up of protein subunits called capsomeres.

A lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane that surrounds some viruses, often containing viral glycoproteins.

A complete virus particle that consists of an RNA or DNA core with a protein coat sometimes with external envelopes and that is the extracellular infective form of a virus.

An infectious disease that is transmissible from animals to humans.

A viral reproductive cycle in which a virus takes over a host cell's machinery, replicates its own nucleic acids and proteins, and then causes the cell to burst (lyse), releasing new viral particles.

A type of viral replication cycle where the viral DNA is integrated into the host cell's chromosome, replicates along with it, and does not kill the host.

A group of RNA viruses that insert a DNA copy of their RNA genome into the host cell in order to replicate, e.g., HIV.

A viral protein found on the surface of the influenza virus; it allows the virus to bind to the host cell's surface receptors and initiate infection.

A method used to quantify the number of virus particles present in a sample by counting the zones of cell destruction (plaques) caused by the virus in a layer of host cells.

Refers to the constant presence and/or usual prevalence of a virus within a geographic area or population group.

An epidemic of infectious disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide.

A mechanism for variation in viruses that involves the accumulation of mutations within the genes that encode for antibody-binding sites.

The process by which two or more different strains of a virus, or strains of two or more different viruses, combine to form a new subtype having a mixture of the surface antigens of the two or more original strains.

An enzyme used by retroviruses to convert their RNA genome into DNA so it can be integrated into the host genome.

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules.

A virus that can cause cancer. This includes some types of human papillomaviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and others.

The specificity of a virus for a certain host tissue, determined by the interaction of viral surface structures with host cell surface receptors.

The number of viral particles present in a given volume of body fluid, often used to assess the severity of a viral infection or the response to therapy.

The ability of a virus to cause disease in a host organism.

A group of viruses or bacteria that are distinguished from each other by characteristic antigens.

A vaccine created by reducing the virulence of a pathogen, but still keeping it viable (or 'live').

The capsid together with the enclosed nucleic acid; it is the basic viral structure to which non-structural proteins and enzymes may be associated.

A virus that has been modified to deliver genetic material into cells for therapeutic purposes, such as in gene therapy.

A class of antiviral drug that inhibits the function of proteases, enzymes which cut viral proteins into smaller pieces during the process of viral replication.

An infectious disease that is transmissible from humans to animals (also known as zooanthroponosis).

The observable structural changes in host cells caused by viral invasion, often resulting in cell death or abnormal function.

A measure of a virus’s ability to successfully replicate and transmit among hosts in the face of environmental and host immune system pressures.

The collection of all viruses that inhabit a particular organism or environment, including both pathogenic and benign viruses.

A group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and also tumor cells.

A type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

An infectious agent composed entirely of protein material that can fold in multiple, structurally abnormal ways, leading to diseases that are usually rapidly progressive and always fatal.

A graphical depiction of the number of cases of illness by onset of illness among cases during an epidemic.

A form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, thereby providing a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune.

An organism, typically a biting insect or tick, that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.

The process of virus entry into a host cell via endocytosis, in which the cell engulfs the virus particle.