Virology Glossary

The first step of viral infection in which the virus binds to specific receptors on the host cell surface.

A process by which enveloped viruses exit the host cell by wrapping themselves in a portion of the cell membrane.

An individual protein subunit that assembles to form the viral capsid.

An excessive, uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines triggered by infection, which can cause severe tissue damage and organ failure.

The phase in the viral replication cycle after uncoating when no complete virions are detectable inside the host cell.

A cellular process used by some viruses to enter host cells by being engulfed in a membrane-bound vesicle.

The exchange of genome segments between two related viruses co-infecting the same cell, leading to novel viral combinations.

A protein with attached carbohydrate groups, often found on viral envelopes where it mediates attachment and entry into host cells.

Abnormal structures within host cells formed during viral infection, consisting of viral particles or components. Used as diagnostic markers.

A state in which a virus persists in the host cell without active replication, potentially reactivating later (e.g., herpesviruses).

The ratio of infectious viral particles to target cells in a given infection experiment.

An antibody that binds to a virus and prevents it from infecting host cells, typically by blocking attachment or entry.

A virus that can cause cancer by disrupting normal cell growth regulation, such as HPV, HBV, or EBV.

A global outbreak of an infectious disease affecting a large proportion of the population across multiple countries or continents.

A laboratory technique used to quantify infectious virus by counting clear zones (plaques) formed on a cell monolayer.

The integrated form of a bacteriophage genome within the bacterial chromosome during lysogeny.

A specific molecule on the host cell surface that a virus recognizes and binds to, determining viral tropism and host range.

The development of detectable antibodies in the blood directed against a specific pathogen, indicating immune response to infection or vaccination.

A distinct variation within a species of virus classified by cell surface antigens, distinguishing it from other variants.

The transmission of a pathogen from its natural animal reservoir to a new host species, particularly humans.

A large multinucleated cell formed by the fusion of multiple host cells, induced by certain viruses such as RSV and HIV.

The concentration of virus in a sample, typically expressed as plaque-forming units (PFU) or tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) per milliliter.

The release of viral nucleic acid from the capsid inside the host cell, making the genome available for replication and transcription.

A complete, mature viral particle existing outside a host cell, capable of infecting a new cell.

The total collection of viruses found in a particular environment or organism, including those that infect the host, its microbiota, and bystander viruses.