Adenovirus Methods and Protocols: Adenoviruses, Ad Vectors, Quantitation, and Animal Models

Adenovirus Methods and Protocols, Second Edition, now in two volumes, is an essential resource for adenovirus (Ad) researchers beginning in the field, and an inspirational starting point for researchers looking to branch into new areas of Ad study. In addition to updating and expanding important chapters from the first edition, the authors have added new chapters that address innovative, exciting areas of emphasis in Ad research, including Ad vector construction and use, real-time PCR, use of new animal models, and methods for quantification of Ad virus or virus expression/interactions. Each of the protocols presented in these volumes is written by trendsetting researchers in their respective areas of expertise.

Volume 1 addresses several important techniques for construction of adenoviruses for use as vectors and for basic research. Highlighted topics include deletion mutants, capsid modifications, insertions, and gene replacements in human, murine, bovine, and ovine adenoviruses. In Volume 2, the authors focus on methods that elucidate and quantitatie the interactions of Ad with the host. Each of the protocols in these volumes provides a general introduction, followed by tried-and-true step-by-step methods. Both novice and experienced researchers will reap tremendous benefit from these groundbreaking volumes in Ad research.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Rebecca T. Horvat, PhD, D(ABMM)(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description:As the title implies, this book provides details on the procedures that can be used to construct adenoviruses to be used as vectors. Each chapter specifically details laboratory procedures that can be used for these purposes.
Purpose:The book is intended to provide a "detailed description" of the methods used to grow, detect, and analyze adenoviruses. The overall purpose of growing and detecting these viruses is so that they can be used as vectors to transfer genes into cells or larger animals. This is of great interest now, since this could potentially provide a means of delivering genetic material as a drug.
Audience:Scientists working in the area of virology and gene transfer are the intended audience, but the book would be easy reading for most levels from the undergraduate student to the professional scientist. All the authors clearly have personal experience in using these techniques.
Features:The 18 chapters cover primarily the procedures used to grow adenoviruses and genetically manipulate the virus as well as the use of animal models to test the manipulated viruses. Each chapter starts with a summary and an introductory section, followed by a section on materials needed to perform the experimental protocols and then by specific methods to accomplish the experiments using adenoviruses. These sections are followed by notes on the procedures and are linked to the procedure by a number. Overall there is a great deal of information on laboratory technique. Some authors list very similar techniques, which can be confusing for readers trying to make decisions on protocols. It was difficult to continually go back to the notes section and then find where you left the procedure. It would help to place the notes close to where the reference is in the protocol. Also, some of the techniques seem dated and might be hard to perform in a laboratory just starting in this area. Overall, though, the book provides some good advice on using and growing adenovirus vectors.
Assessment:This book would be useful for scientists in this area. A change in the size and format of the book would help. It does not stay open very well and at a lab bench, this could be annoying. It would also be useful to have the hints and notes embedded into the methods, making it clearer for the user.

Wold, William S.M. (St Louis Univ Health Sciences Center)