Recognition, immune evasion, and exploitation of DNA viruses

Abstract

Viruses are infectious agents that require living cells of a host for their replication. They are classified into different families based on factors such as phenotypic characteristics, host organisms and associated diseases. In this thesis, we focus on two virus families: herpesviridae and adenoviridae. Both viruses infect mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish and are primarily host specific. To protect themselves against viral infections, cells possess an intricate network of antiviral immune pathways. In turn, viruses have evolved equally complex methods to evade detection by the immune system. Understanding how viruses activate and evade various immune responses provides us with the tools to tip the balance in our favor. In addition, the knowledge gained in this thesis is of value for the combat against immunosuppressive tumors, as viral factors can expose these cancer cells to the immune system.