Varicella-zoster Virus - Genetics, Molecular Evolution, and Recombination -- The structures and functions of VZV glycoproteins -- Modulation of apoptosis and cell death pathways by Varicella zoster virus -- Modulation of host cell signaling pathways by varicella-zoster virus -- Modulation of MHC and MHC-like molecules by Varicella Zoster Virus -- Varicella Zoster Virus Neuronal Persistence and Reactivation modeled in-vitro -- Humanized Severe Combined Immunodeficient (SCID) Mouse Models for Varicella-Zoster Virus Pathogenesis -- Simian Varicella Virus: Molecular Virology and mechanisms of pathogenesis -- A guide to preclinical models of zoster-associated pain and postherpetic neuralgia -- Immune Responses to Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccines -- Common features between stroke following varicella in children and stroke following herpes zoster in adults.

This edited volume provides insights about the molecular virology, pathoenesis of infection and host responses to varicella-zoster virus, which is a medically important human herpesvirus. The chapters not only discuss genetics and molecular evolution of the virus, but also new structure-based knowledge on the functions of viral glycoproteins. Further, the authors illustrate how mechanisms from the virus are used to take over and remodel host cells during pathogeneis. These mechanisms also enable viral modulation of host cells and evasion of the host immune response. Part of these evasion and survival strategies, is the reaction to triggered host cell responses like autophagy, the stress response, modulation of apoptosis and other cell death pathways. This hands-on knowledge is crucial for students and clinicians in Virology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases. Chapter "Common features between stroke following varicella in children and stroke following herpes zoster in adults" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via Springerlink.com.