Viruses: Membranes in Disguise - Editorial on the special issue reporting on the priority program 1175 of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation): 'Dynamics of cellular membranes and their exploitation by viruses'

摘要

Viruses rely on the host they infect for replication and production of infectious progeny. Thus, without exception membrane acquisition of enveloped viruses occurs from cellular membranes. Because of their strict dependence on cells, viruses are used as tools to study cellular processes, providing the distinct advantage that rare cellular events may be highlighted and synchronized during infection. On the other hand, much may be learned about viruses and how to control them by defining cellular processes that are subverted for the specific needs of a virus.