Biothermodynamic analysis of the adenovirus.

During the last several years, mechanistic models appeared that attempt to describe virus-host interactions based on the fundamental laws of chemistry and physics, as well as to relate them to biological concepts of pathogenicity and virulence. However, the need to describe interactions (including biological interactions) with the most basic laws of physics and chemistry for deeper and more encompassing understanding still exists. Chemical and thermodynamic models give explanations for most biological phenomena (e.g. microbial lifecycle) by treating them as chemical reactions or physical processes. Chemical and thermodynamic characterization of many viruses has been published. Adenoviruses are a common cause of respiratory infections, but can also cause infections in other tissues. Therefore, this paper reports for the first time the chemical and thermodynamic properties of adenoviruses. Based on genetic and protein sequences and virus morphology, chemical and thermodynamic properties of adenoviruses were calculated with the atom counting method and Patel-Erickson-Battley model. The determined properties include empirical formulas, growth reactions and thermodynamic properties of live matter, biosynthesis and antigen-receptor binding. Gibbs energy was used to analyze interactions of viruses with their host cells. Moreover, Gibbs energy was used to discuss infectivity and pathogenicity of viruses.