Vaccinia Virus and Poxvirology: Methods and Protocols

The Right Book at the Right Time The poxviruses comprise a family of complex DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of vertebrate or invertebrate cells. Of the eight recognized g- era of vertebrate poxviruses, those belonging to the orthopoxvirus genus have been most intensively studied. This group includes variola virus, the agent of smallpox, as well as cowpox virus and vaccinia virus. Jenner’s original sma- pox vaccine, described in 1798, consisted of live cowpox virus, but vaccinia virus later replaced it (1). There has been speculation as to the origin of v- cinia virus; the most likely idea is that it is a separate species, possibly ori- nally isolated from a horse, and is now extinct or rare in nature (2). Recent genome sequencing studies confirm the distinctness of variola virus, cowpox virus, and vaccinia virus and also their very close genetic relationship, which accounts for the cross protection of smallpox vaccines. The novelty of the smallpox vaccine can be readily appreciated by the time it took, about 80 years, before the next live vaccine against rabies was developed, and another 50 years for the yellow fever vaccine. Moreover, the eradication of smallpox in 1977 stands as a unique medical achievement. Because of its historical role, sma- pox vaccination contributed greatly to present concepts of infectious disease, immunity, and pathogenesis. Less well known, however, are the many other “firsts” for vaccinia virus.

Recombinant vaccinia viruses have become important in recent years, both as protein expression vectors, and-in the age of bioterrorism-as powerful tools for developing new smallpox vaccines, diagnostics, and understanding of poxvirus pathogenesis. In Vaccinia Virus and Poxvirology: Methods and Protocols, internationally recognized experts and leaders in poxvirology describe in step-by-step detail the successful techniques they have perfected to study and work with vaccinia virus and other poxviruses. They offer cutting-edge techniques for the construction and characterization of recombinant viruses; for the study of poxvirus gene transcription and DNA replication; and for the use of the virus in immunologic and cell-cell fusion assays. Other methods cover poxvirus bioinformatics, aspects of viral pathogenesis at both a protein and an animal model level, and the study of immune responses to poxvirus-the latter critical to the important role of vaccinia virus in smallpox vaccination and its potential role as a vaccine vector directed against infectious agents and cancer. The protocols presented follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology(TM) series format, each one offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Comprehensive and timely, Vaccinia Virus and Poxvirology: Methods and Protocols offers virologists and vaccinologists an unequaled source of proven techniques for understanding poxviruses and developing defenses against their use as bioterrorist agents.