The past decade has witnessed an explosion of information on the molecular biology of insect viruses and a frenzy of activity in applying this information to medicine and agriculture. Genetically engineered baculoviruses are presently being tested for commercial use as pesticides, and the study of such viruses is also revealing remarkable insights into basic cellular processes such as apoptosis. This comprehensive volume provides readers with knowledge of basic and applied baculovirology so that current literature in the field can be appreciated.

The third edition of this volume expands upon the previous two editions with new and up-to-date methods and protocols. Chapters include step-by-step procedures involved in quantifying cell growth, baculovirus infection and cell metabolism, methods to isolate new cell lines and develop your own serum-free medium, and routine maintenance and storage of insect cell lines and baculoviruses, small- and large-scale recombinant protein production with the BEVS in both insect and mammalian cell culture and in insect larvae, production and characterization of baculoviruses, green fluorescent protein, tubular reactors and RNAi, and baculovirus/insect cell system to study apoptosis and generating envelop-modified baculovirus for gene delivery into mammalian cells. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Baculovirus and Insect Cell Expression Protocols, Third Edition aims to not only aid the user in successfully completing the tasks described, but also stimulate the development of improved techniques and new applications of baculoviruses and insect cell culture.

Baculoviruses have proven to be the most powerful and versatile eukaryotic expression vectors available. This unique laboratory manual is designed to help both beginning and experienced researchers construct and use baculovirus vector systems. It simplifies selection of the most appropriatebaculovirus vector design for a given problem, then describes each step of the implementation process--from vector construction to large-scale protein production. The book provides an understanding of how the vectors work; a biological overview of cells, viruses, plasmids, and promoters; guidelinesfor choosing optimum vectors; protocols for growing insect cells and recombinant viruses; methods of analyzing protein products and scaling up protein production; techniques for producing proteins in insect larvae; and easy-to-use maps charting available expression vectors. This comprehensiveapproach has many benefits for researchers and students alike. It allows them to understand how and why the vector system works and offers a rapid comparison of options for choosing the right virus, plasmid or promoter for vector design and construction, with a minimum amount of lost time. Themanual is an invaluable resource for every individual engaged in the production of proteins for any purpose.

The past decade has witnessed an explosion of information on the molecular biology of insect viruses and a frenzy of activity in applying this information to medicine and agriculture. Genetically engineered baculoviruses are presently being tested for commercial use as pesticides, and the study of such viruses is also revealing remarkable insights into basic cellular processes such as apoptosis. This comprehensive volume provides readers with knowledge of basic and applied baculovirology so that current literature in the field can be appreciated.

Emerging and Reemerging Viral Pathogens: Applied Virology Approaches Related to Human, Animal and Environmental Pathogens, Volume Two presents new research information on viruses and their impact on the scientific community. It provides a reference book on certain viruses in humans, animals and vegetal, along with a comprehensive discussion on interspecies interactions. The book then looks at the drug, vaccine and bioinformatical strategies that can be used against these viruses, giving the reader a clear understanding of transmission. The book's end goal is to create awareness that the appearance of newly transmissible pathogens is a global risk that requires shared/adoptable policies for prevention and control. - Covers most emerging viral disease in humans, animals and plants - Provides the most advanced tools and techniques in molecular virology and the modeling of viruses - Creates awareness that the appearance of new transmissible pathogens is a global risk - Highlights the need to adopt shared policies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases

Baculoviruses are perhaps unique among viruses in the breadth of their biotechnological applications: these insect specific viruses are used not only for insect pest management purposes, but also as laboratory research tools for production of recombinant proteins and for protein display, and as potential vectors for human gene therapy. In addition to highlighting recent advances, this volume provides a comprehensive review of the biotechnological applications of these and other insect viruses in both the academic and private sectors.

Viral Insecticides for Biological Control focuses on the basic as well as applied aspects of viral insecticides, which have the potential to significantly reduce the current reliance on chemical pesticide technology. This book serves as a guide for the development of means to identify hazardous problems and prevent them. Organized into six parts with a total of 23 chapters, this book describes the taxonomy, nomenclature, identification, physical, biological, as well as chemical characteristics, replication, and pathology of insect viruses. This reference material also explores the dispersal, stability, and utilization of insect viruses as biological control agents. The factors and considerations that must be taken into account when a viral insecticide is sought as a large-scale commercial alternative to other more traditional methods of pest control are also addressed. Because this reference material collates information in this field of interest, it will benefit a wide audience of readers, including researchers, students, and those working directly in crop protection.