For decades this virus system has served - and continues to serve - to pioneer investigations on the molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics of mammalian cell systems.

When it comes to investigating mechanistic details in the regulation of transcription or translation, in DNA replication, recombination or integration, in the biological role of de novo DNA methylation, in the structure and assembly of virus particles, in the adsorption of virus particles to the cell surface, and in ideas of nuclear compartmentalization or intracellular transport, adenovirus research still stands the test of time.

In this, the first of the three volumes, an overview of adenovirus research is presented with emphasis on the structure and assembly of adenoviruses, viral infections, and viral gene products.