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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
11:54
Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 13, 2019
Phylogenetics, evolution, and medical importance of polyomaviruses
Andi Krumbholz1, Olaf R P Bininda-Emonds, Peter Wutzler
1Institute of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany. andi.krumbholz@med.uni-jena.de
Summary
Human polyomaviruses are gaining attention due to immunosuppression cases. Phylogenetic analysis reveals their evolutionary history, challenging the strict codivergence hypothesis with hosts.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Human polyomaviruses are pathogens that reactivate during immunosuppression.
- Increased tissue transplantation and AIDS cases highlight their clinical importance.
- Numerous human and animal polyomaviruses have been discovered since 1953.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of human polyomavirus research.
- To focus on the clinical significance of human polyomaviruses.
- To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of polyomaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on all available polyomavirus species.
- Inclusion of all subtypes, subgroups, and lineages of human BK and JC polyomaviruses.
- Review of historical research and clinical importance.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analyses provide insights into the evolutionary history of polyomaviruses.
- Human polyomaviruses, including BK and JC polyomaviruses, show complex evolutionary patterns.
- The hypothesis of strict codivergence with hosts is not supported by the findings.
Conclusions:
- Polyomavirus evolution is more complex than previously assumed.
- Phylogenetic findings challenge the strict codivergence model.
- Understanding polyomavirus evolution is crucial for managing immunosuppressed populations.
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