The Biological Role of a Virus (Springer, 2022)

The Biological Role of a Virus (Springer, 2022)
Author :  Christon J. Hurst

This book explains three aspects of viral ecology. The first aspect is how viruses affect the population diversity and energetics of their host communities. The second aspect describes genetic partnerships between hosts and their viruses. These include processes like endogeny and lysogeny where the host carries a partial genomic copy of the virus. The third aspect is defending the health of a host. Hosts use their captured viral genes to identify and fight invading viruses. This concept has been used to combat cancer, suppress genetic diseases, and create antiviral vaccines. The book provides a broad perspective of viral ecology.