Abstract

Positive-stranded RNA viruses are important and emerging human pathogens worldwide. Virus-host interactions and innate responses by the host are intensively studied areas, which promise novel broad-range and durable antiviral approaches against dangerous viruses. Topics covered by the meeting include basic advances in research on viral replication structures, virus entry and virus evolution; virus-host interactions, discussed from the virus view on changing the host (including systems biology) and host responses and defense mechanisms; and emerging therapeutics. It is anticipated that rapidly emerging new concepts on virus-host interactions will help the participants to test various host factors for a large number of positive-strand RNA viruses to expand the arsenal of antiviral approaches. This meeting will bring together experts on positive-stranded RNA viruses that will facilitate the rapid progress and dissemination of new concepts in the complex field of virus-host interactions. Also, speakers who are expert with other groups of viruses will be invited to facilitate cross-talk with other areas in virology. Among the speakers will be interdisciplinary scientists who would not normally meet with this group of researches. Virology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, macromolecular structures/assembly, systems biology and imaging will all be brought together.