Antiviral Methods and Protocols

This latest addition to the Methods in Molecular Medicine series, Anti- ral Methods and Protocols, is opportune because there is an increasing int- est in discovering compounds that are effective against both chronic and acute viral infections. A number of the methods described in the volume are unp- lished and their inclusion indicates the speed at which this field is moving. This volume is not a review but each chapter contains methods validated by the experts who have spent time in developing the protocols. The hallmark of this series is the comprehensive way in which the me- ods are described, which includes a list of all the reagents needed for each protocol. Of importance is the section on tips and pitfalls that the authors have discovered while developing their protocols. The manual itself is designed to be used by researchers in universities and industry who are familiar with a range of biological techniques but who want to set up quickly a novel assay system. We encourage a dialog between readers and authors, which may also result in useful collaborations.

In Antiviral Methods and Protocols, experienced scientists describe-in an easily-followed format-their state-of-the-art techniques for evaluating antiviral compounds. The assays described include systems for investigating drugs used against herpesviruses, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses, human papillomaviruses, and influenza viruses. These well-tested methods range from cellular assays to some of the most up-to-date molecular approaches for identifying compounds that are active against viral enzymes and the development of viral resistance against drugs currently in use. The detailed protocols also discuss possible pitfalls and ways to overcome them.
Timely and comprehensive, Antiviral Methods and Protocols offers today's researchers in academia, clinical departments, and the pharmaceutical industry the powerful, reproducible, and novel methods needed to evaluate compounds effective against both acute and chronic infections.