Adenovirus DNA Replication

Adenoviruses have attracted much attention as probes to study biological processes such as DNA replication, transcription, splicing, and cellular transformation. More recently these viruses have been used as gene-transfer vectors and oncolytic agents. On the other hand, adenoviruses are notorious pathogens in people with compromised immune functions. This article will briefly summarize the basic replication strategy of adenoviruses and the key proteins involved and will deal with the new developments since 2006. In addition, we will cover the development of antivirals that interfere with human adenovirus (HAdV) rep-lication and the impact of HAdV on human disease. Members of the familyAdenoviridaearenon-enveloped icosahedral viruses that repli-cate in the nucleus. In recent years, new DNA amplification techniques and sequencing ef-forts have led to the identification of many new human and nonhuman adenoviruses (AdV). The human adenoviruses (HAdV) are grouped as seven species (formerly called “subgroups”)