| Function |
Adenoviruses are non-enveloped icosahedral viruses of the family Adeno
viridae that contain a double-stranded, linear, non-segmented DNA genome.
The Adenovirus life cycle is separated by the DNA replication process into
two phases: an early and a late phase. The early phase genes are responsible
for expressing mainly nonstructural, regulatory proteins. The late phase of the
Adenovirus life cycle is focused on producing sufficient quantities of structural
protein to pack all the genetic material produced by DNA replication. Adeno
virus infection in humans is usually characterized by illness of the respiratory
system, however, depending on the infecting serotype, they may also cause
various other symptoms, such as gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, cystitis and
rash. About 47 different types of adenoviruses have been identified, and
about half of them are believed to cause human diseases. Infants and children
are most commonly affected by adenoviruses. |
