Viral diseases and human evolution

Leal, Élcio; Zanotto, Paolo Marinho de Andrade

doi:10.1590/s0074-02762000000700033

Cited by 22 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…With molecular paleoparasitology, one can potentially identify the change in parasite genomes that resulted from the host-parasiteenvironment evolutionary system. Without a doubt, infectious diseases have change through pre-historic times to present days (Leal & Zanotto 2000). These included changes in virulence and pathogenicity that were associated with the progressive developments of civilization.…”

Section: Parasite Evolution and Paleoparasitologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Parasitism, the diversity of life, and paleoparasitology

Araújo

Jansen

Bouchet

et al. 2003

Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz

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Section: Parasite Evolution and Paleoparasitologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Parasitism, the diversity of life, and paleoparasitology

Araújo

Jansen

Bouchet

et al. 2003

Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz

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“…Several recent studies have inferred portions of human evolutionary history from the evolutionary history of their parasites (Chan et al 1992; Ho et al 1993; Ong et al 1993; Escalante et al 1998; Ashford 2000; Leal and Zanotto 2000; Hoberg et al 2001). Parasites can be a powerful tool for reconstructing host evolutionary history because they provide data that are independent of host data.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic Analysis of Lice Supports Direct Contact between Modern and Archaic Humans

et al. 2004

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Parasites can be used as unique markers to investigate host evolutionary history, independent of host data. Here we show that modern human head lice, Pediculus humanus, are composed of two ancient lineages, whose origin predates modern Homo sapiens by an order of magnitude (ca. 1.18 million years). One of the two louse lineages has a worldwide distribution and appears to have undergone a population bottleneck ca. 100,000 years ago along with its modern H. sapiens host. Phylogenetic and population genetic data suggest that the other lineage, found only in the New World, has remained isolated from the worldwide lineage for the last 1.18 million years. The ancient divergence between these two lice is contemporaneous with splits among early species of Homo, and cospeciation analyses suggest that the two louse lineages codiverged with a now extinct species of Homo and the lineage leading to modern H. sapiens. If these lice indeed codiverged with their hosts ca. 1.18 million years ago, then a recent host switch from an archaic species of Homo to modern H. sapiens is required to explain the occurrence of both lineages on modern H. sapiens. Such a host switch would require direct physical contact between modern and archaic forms of Homo.

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“…The mechanism consists of causing low mortality rates in victims while provoking a dormant infection. This is the strategy used by the human herpesvirus family, particularly by the varicella zoster virus, which can remain inactive in the nerve pathways for many years (34,35). RNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm cannot reach host genes directly; therefore, they have had to develop other immune escape strategies.…”

Section: Mechanisms Of Viral Resistancementioning

confidence: 99%

Untitled

Rivero

Castro

Stival

et al. 2011

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis.

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Viruses depend on cell metabolism for their own propagation. The need to foster an intimate relationship with the host has resulted in the development of various strategies designed to help virus escape from the defense mechanisms present in the host. Over millions of years, the unremitting battle between pathogens and their hosts has led to changes in evolution of the immune system. Snake venoms are biological resources that have antiviral activity, hence substances of significant pharmacological value. The biodiversity in Brazil with respect to snakes is one of the richest on the planet; nevertheless, studies on the antiviral activity of venom from Brazilian snakes are scarce. The antiviral properties of snake venom appear as new promising therapeutic alternative against the defense mechanisms developed by viruses. In the current study, scientific papers published in recent years on the antiviral activity of venom from various species of snakes were reviewed. The objective of this review is to discuss the mechanisms of resistance developed by viruses and the components of snake venoms that present antiviral activity, particularly, enzymes, amino acids, peptides and proteins.Key words: snake venom, viruses, antiviral agents. Review ARticle The Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases ISSN 1678-9199 | 2011 | volume 17 | issue 4 | pages 387-393 INTRODUCTIONViruses are obligate intracellular parasites that depend on cell metabolism for their own propagation. This intimate virus-cell relationship led viruses to develop numerous survival strategies aimed at protecting themselves from the host defense system (1-4).One of the criteria for a successful viral infection is the ability to remain inside the host cell for the time required to allow replication of the viral genomic nucleic acid, envelopment and the production of new infectious virus progeny. The first barrier to be overcome is the host innate immune response (5).The association between virus persistence and disease in the host may lead to a long term relationship that does not result in any chronic virus-induced symptoms or in a fatal disease (6). Persistent viral infections constitute an example of immune evasion and, consequently, a successful relationship (7). Antiviral therapy has changed the natural history of numerous viral infections, delaying progression of the disease, improving the quality of life of infected individuals and reducing the frequency of hospitalization (8-10). Nevertheless, one of the principal problems today is therapeutic failure, including antiviral drug resistance (11, 12).The rich biodiversity in Brazil is an important source of wealth, since the country is home to at least 14% of the world's species, giving it an enormous advantage over other countries with poorer biodiversity, principally in a century in which biotechnology is expected to play such an important role in the global economy (13). Snake venoms are composed of a mixture of proteins and peptides (90-95%), but also include free amin...

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Viral diseases and human evolution

Abstract: The interaction of man with viral agents was possibly a key factor shaping human evolution, culture and civilization from its outset. Evidence of the effect of disease, since the early stages of human speciation, through pre-historical

Cited by 22 publications

References 46 publications

Parasitism, the diversity of life, and paleoparasitology

Parasitism, the diversity of life, and paleoparasitology

Genetic Analysis of Lice Supports Direct Contact between Modern and Archaic Humans

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