Vaccinia virus

Definition

Vaccinia virus is a member of the poxvirus family used as a vaccine to eradicate smallpox. It serves as a tool in genetic engineering due to its large genome and ability to accommodate foreign genes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaccinia virus was instrumental in the global eradication of smallpox.
2. It has a large double-stranded DNA genome, approximately 190 kbp.
3. The virus can be engineered to express recombinant proteins, making it a valuable vector for vaccine development.
4. Vaccinia virus replicates entirely within the cytoplasm of the host cell.
5. It is used in research for studying gene expression and developing oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy.

Related terms

Poxvirus: A family of double-stranded DNA viruses that includes Variola (smallpox) and Vaccinia viruses.

Recombinant Proteins: Proteins created through recombinant DNA technology by inserting genes into host organisms.

Oncolytic Virus: A virus genetically engineered or naturally occurring that selectively infects and kills cancer cells.