The interactions between virus proteins and host cells are intricate and impact diverse processes. Recent papers explored in this issue's Microbiology Select reveal unexpected mechanisms by which viruses interact with host cells to facilitate infection, promote replication of their genomes, and foster horizontal gene transfer. The Tat (transactivator of transcription) protein of the human immun...

A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical, and physical sciences. A pathologist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells, and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secreti...

This issue's Microbiology Select describes recent insights into the mechanisms and consequences of viral infections, including a functional genomics screen that reports an array of previously unknown host factors required for HIV-1 infection of cultured human cells. New work also defines host factors that restrain the release of HIV-1 from cells and reveals how a class of antimicrobial peptides...