This volume in the series Developments in Medical Virology deals with
viruses involved in diabetes mellitus, a syndrome with a strong genetic
background that causes damage to the regulation of insulin synthesis and
function. Viruses were found either to cause or to stimulate diabetes
mellitus in man and in animal models. The nature of the role of viruses
is described by many of the scientists who participated in the original
studies. To complete the picture, chapters were included that deal with
the insulin gene, the secondary structure of the proinsulin and insulin
receptor polypeptides, pancreatic Langerhans islets, and clinical
considerations of the disease. The aim of Developments in Medical
Virology is to elucidate processes involving viruses as pathogens of
cells and organisms, with special attention to human diseases. A number
of volumes will be devoted to viruses affecting specific organs (e.g.
brain, liver, etc.), while others will elaborate on the clinical
experience in the use of antiviral drugs. The series is published in
parallel with Developments in Molecular Virology, designed to present an
analysis of molecular mechanisms implicated in virus infection and
replicative processes. In addition, the series Developments in
Veterinary Virology provides information on viruses causing diseases in
animals, with special emphasis on aspects of interest to veterinarians.
