Overview
Viruses are small infectious agents that can cause disease in organisms, commonly referred to as hosts. Viruses are capable of manipulating the host’s gene expression in order to replicate their own genetic material (RNA or DNA). Changes in the expression of specific genes within the host organism can result in changes in protein production or other biochemical pathways. As a result, viruses can cause a wide range of diseases and are capable of modifying the host’s physiology to their own advantage. The study of how viruses interact with hosts, and the effects of virus infection on host gene expression, is known as virology. By studying the effects of viruses on host gene expression, scientists are able to gain insight into how viruses can cause disease, as well as develop more effective treatments.