A quasispecies approach to viral evolution in the context of an adaptive immune system.
A deeper understanding of the mechanisms that determine viral evolution in the context of an adaptive immune system is vital for the development of efficient strategies to defeat viral infections. The problem of describing these mechanisms is discussed using the concept of quasispecies. Conditions for both an optimal immune response and for highest viral viability are derived from theoretical models and are supported by empirical data.
Kamp
Christel
C
The Blackett Laboratory, Condensed Matter Theory Group, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BW, UK. C.Kamp@gmx.de
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D016679:Genome, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000276:immunology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D018406:Virus Physiological Phenomena; D014780:Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*