Biomedical subjects

S Eash

Publications and source records attributed to S Eash.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The human polyomaviruses.

The Polyomavirus family includes two members, BK virus (BKV) and JC virus (JCV), that naturally infect humans. These viruses are widely distributed among the population worldwide. Primary infection occurs in early childhood and remains for life clinically unapparent in immunocompetent individuals. In the context of severe immunosuppression and other predisposing factors BKV and JCV may reactivate and cause serious illnesses known as Polyomavirus-induced nephropathy and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, respectively. Here we briefly examine the biological and physical characteristics and the lifecycle, namely receptor(s) interaction, mode of entry, intracellular trafficking, viral transcription and replication, and progeny assembly of these two human Polyomaviruses. We also provide an overview of the clinical manifestation of Polyomavirus-induced disorders in affected individuals and discuss the potential involvement of BKV and JCV in human cancer.

BK Virus↗

PubMed2006

Update on BK virus entry and intracellular trafficking.

BK virus (BKV) is a small, non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus and a member of the Polyomaviridae family. As the recently recognized etiologic agent of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, the events involved in BKV invasion of host cells are an important area of study. Using cell culture models, the mechanism by which BKV infects permissive hosts to gain access to the replication machinery within these cells is beginning to unfold. BKV uses an N-linked glycoprotein containing an alpha(2,3)-linked sialic acid as a receptor. After this initial attachment, BKV enters cells through caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Intracellular trafficking via cellular cytoskeletal components follows this relatively slow and cholesterol-dependent internalization. BKV must reach the nucleus for viral transcription and replication to occur. Elucidating the steps of the early viral lifecycle would provide clues to help explain the infectious spread and pathology of this human pathogen.

Animals↗