Reference no: EM133014932

Question 1. Briefly describe a few (at least 3) components of innate immunity. For each component detail how that component of innate immunity combats microbial infections. Also, list a specific example for how a microbe is able to overcome that component of innate immunity.

Question 2. In the body, only a tiny fraction of antigen receptors are specific for a given epitope due to clonal selection. Briefly describe the similarities and differences between B & T cell generation/expansion/maturation. Describe the location and phases of these processes. This process is cytokine driven; list 2-3 cytokines that drive these processes and explain their effect.

Question 3. Briefly describe the general replication pathway for HTLV-1, which includes entry, RT, integration, transcription, splicing, translation and exit of the virus from cells. What is Tax and how does it deregulate infected cells? Compare and contrast a few other viruses when describing the cellular kinases (i.e. CDKs) that are utilized by HTLV-1 and other viruses.

Question 4. Describe how RT works in infected cells and leads to latency. Clearly indicate the enzymatic steps that are needed to go from genomic RNA to cDNA to integrated copies into the genome. Describe in detail (2-3) examples for how integrated HIV transcription is regulated. Use a few sets of inhibitors when describing each step (i.e. drugs or siRNAs) that are used today in cell culture assays, humanized mouse models or patients to inhibit RT activity.

Question 5. Briefly describe endogenous viruses and their uses to the scientific field. What are key criteria that associates them with potential diseases? List and describe the set of transcription factors that regulate endogenous retroviral gene expression?

Question 6. Briefly describe the contribution of humanized mouse models and how they have transformed basic research for various viral infections. Describe the differences between NSG and BLT mice. Please note that these have to be "humanized mouse models" and not simply normal and regular mouse models of viral infections.

Question 7. Describe in detail (2-3) examples that have transformed the field of microbiology to allow scientist to better understand viral mechanisms (this includes use of novel therapeutics).