Systematic assembly of a full-length infectious clone of human coronavirus NL63.

ABSTRACT: Historically, coronaviruses were predominantly associated with mild upper respiratory disease in humans. More recently, three novel coronaviruses associated with severe human respiratory disease were found, including (i) the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, associated with a significant atypical pneumonia and 10% mortality; (ii) HKU-1, associated with chronic pulmonary disease; and (iii) NL63, associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract disease in children and adults worldwide. These discoveries establish coronaviruses as important human pathogens and underscore the need for continued research toward the development of platforms that will enable genetic manipulation of the viral genome, allowing for rapid and rational development and testing of candidate vaccines,

SUBMITTER: Donaldson EF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2583659 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature