Advances in technologies and enhanced surveillance have facilitated the monitoring of virus evolution, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis. Coupled with the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a better understanding of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and the impact of viruses on society and the economy. Viruses: Molecular Biology, Host Interactions, and Applications to Biotechnology, Second Edition provides an update on recent developments, lessons learned, and perspectives on fundamental aspects of virology. Fully updated and revised, the Second Edition includes coverage on the history of viruses, their structure, the organization of their genomes, and strategies in replication and expression. The book emphasizes the diversity and versatility of viruses, how they cause disease, and how their human, animal, and plant hosts react to these diseases. It also explores the beneficial aspects of viruses and how they can be utilized as tools and targets for biotechnological application. This edition is likely to appeal to a wide audience, including academics, researchers, and students studying the molecular biology and applications of viruses.

• Offers updated and fully revised chapters as well as new chapters on topics like paleovirology and on recent technological advances, including the biological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 that played a role in causing the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global response that led to the rapid development of mRNA- and DNA-based vaccines
• Covers the diversity of viruses and related entities (such as viroids and mavericks), delves into their evolutionary history, structure, genome organization, and taxonomy, and how they cause disease
• Examines the range of viral hosts, virus-host interactions and how viruses transmit diseases
• Explores beneficial interactions with viruses and their potential application in biotechnology