The role of chromatin and epigenetic regulation in cellular transcription, replication, repair, and development has been well recognized. However, invading viral pathogens that depend upon cellular nuclear machinery are also subject to the regulatory impacts of chromatin.
For lytic pathogens, successful infection depends upon the ability to counter cellular defense mechanisms such as deposition of repressive chromatin structures with the ability to utilize cellular chromatin modulation activities that promote the efficient utilization of cellular transcription and/or replication machinery. Additionally, viral pathogens whose complex replication cycles include coupled stages of lytic replication and latency/persistence are impacted epigenetic states that play controlling roles in determining the viral state.
Advances in understanding the basic biology of chromatin deposition, modification, and modulation/remodeling will contribute to the understanding of viral diseases and present novel opportunities for prophylaxis or treatment. The workshop “2014 Chromatin Control of Viral Infection” brings together leaders in this research area representing various viral families.