Understanding the Interplay Between Viral and Host Dynamics
[Thesis]
Vera Cruz, Diana
Koelle, Katharina
Duke University
2020
151
Ph.D.
Duke University
2020
The evolution of antigenically variable viruses cannot be understood without studying the interaction between viruses and the host immune system. Viral evolution is driven by their fast acquisition of genetic variation as well as by the strong selection imposed by the host immune response. Moreover, understanding viral evolution dynamics and its interplay on the host immune response can provide essential information for vaccine development. In this dissertation, I use an integrative approach to study various aspects of this interplay in two viral systems: influenza A (IAV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), both ubiquitous in humans and significant public health threats.