Apr 16, 2020
João Marques, Department of
Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais,
provides an overview of
his research, discussing viruses and explaining
RNA interference mechanisms, arbovirus structure, and
more.
Podcast Points:
- How do viruses evade immune systems?
- What is RNA interference?
- What can we learn about viruses by studying mosquitos?
Dr. João Marques earned his PhD
from the Brazilian Federal University of Minas Gerais. Dr. Marques’
work was centered on the interaction between viruses and select
host immune responses.
Dr. Marques discusses his background and why he became so
interested in viruses in particular, and devoted much of his study
to them. As he explains, they are fascinating because as small as
they are, they can still have immense power within species, when
the right conditions are present.
He explains why he was interested in viruses, and how hosts
recognize virus infections. Dr. João Marques began working with
insects and focused some of his studies on the mechanism of RNA
interference, a very important antiviral response for most
animals.
Dr. Marques explains how some
viruses are excellent at evading immune systems. He discusses HIV
in particular and how it targets cells. Continuing, he explains
acute infections, and how some viruses proliferate rapidly, jumping
from host to host.
The research doctor explains how double-stranded RNA is involved in
the process of virus life, and he discusses how systems seek to
contain infection. Going deeper, Dr. Marques explains how the
production of proteins plays a role in informing other cells that
certain cells are infected.
The research doctor talks about
some of his work and experimentation with mosquitos, explaining
infection and how viruses grow. As he explains, there is much still
to learn about viruses and infections, and there are many
intriguing questions. Continuing his overview,
Dr. Marques provides in-depth information on how viruses spread,
detailing how the goal of a virus is to grow to a high level but
not kill the host. Going further, he explains how viruses may
appear, and how viruses that infect humans may have previously been
solely mosquito viruses.
This virus evolution is a complex process, but it appears to be
happening, though more research needs to be done to confirm
theories.
Wrapping up, the virus expert talks about signature viruses that can tell us a lot about specific biology. He talks about density issues and how viruses within mosquitos mutate.