Viral escaping mechanisms

The symptoms produced during a viral infection result from the intrinsic ac tion of the pathogen and the response of the infected host to this assault. Most viruses use multiple molecular mechanisms to maximize the chance of s uccessfully replicating their genetic material and thereby assuring their s urvival. Pathogenic microorganisms must also avoid the various defense syst ems used by the infected host to block their replication. A pathogen may us e several strategies for multiplying :this may involve foiling the host's n on-specific defenses and invade another cell before the host's specific imm une defenses can react. Certain viruses use a much more sophisticated appro ach: their existence, multiplication and capacity to develop are all the re sult of complex interactions with the host's specific immune system, which results in a chronic infection. By limiting the pressure on the immune syst em, the virus can remain in perfect equilibrium with its host. The study of this subtle equilibrium can reveal the nature of viral pathogenesis, and m ay be essential for development of therapeutic vaccine strategies.