👉 Canonical infection refers to the process by which a pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, enters and begins to replicate within a host organism. This infection cycle typically involves attachment to host cells, entry mechanisms, replication of the pathogen's genetic material, and the production of new infectious agents. The host's immune system then responds, often leading to an inflammatory reaction aimed at containing and eliminating the invader. Understanding canonical infection is crucial in medical science for developing treatments and vaccines, as it provides insights into how pathogens cause disease and how to disrupt these processes to protect the host.
