RNA Viruses and Neurological Disorders

This volume is an accessible introduction to RNA viruses and the infectious outcomes that they cause in the central nervous system (CNS). Chapters cover the major RNA viruses, their impact on the CNS, and the similarities and differences in pathological outcomes that can be observed. Neuroscientists, be they students, researchers, or clinicians, will benefit from the timely coverage provided.

Our understanding of viruses, and specifically RNA viruses and their pathological impact, is rapidly evolving. For example, the close molecular interaction of viruses with the CNS cell types in the human host is poorly understood. Readers can use the book to understand clearly the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing pathological outcomes of RNA virus infection in the cell types of the human brain (e.g., neurons, endothelial cells, astrocytes, resident immune cells) based on summarized case studies, and gain insight into how cell type-specific defects affect brain function and cause poor clinical outcomes.

The book is aimed primarily at neuroscience students and postgraduates wishing to learn about virology and professionals who are interested to learn more about virus-associated neuropathology. A basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology is assumed; however, readers across the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics will find this topical and timely publication of value.

Sabyasachi Dash, MSc, PhD is currently a Senior Scientist in the Exploratory Research Division at Alexion-AstraZeneca Rare Disease located in New Haven, CT, USA. His work primarily focuses on drug discovery efforts for central nervous system disorders that are rare yet present a high unmet need in the society given their lack of understanding of the disease biology. He completed his postdoctoral training in neurovascular biology in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York. His research focused on the development of novel vasoprotective therapeutics for vascular and cerebrovascular diseases by elucidating novel mechanisms regulating blood-brain barrier function in the mammalian brain. His PhD thesis work investigated the molecular mechanisms governing cocaine-induced neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in the presence of HIV infection, which is of high pathological relevance in patients addicted to drugs of abuse.