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Viral evolution in deep time: lentiviruses and mammals
1Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, 455 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA. rgifford@adarc.org
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|December 27, 2011
Summary
Lentiviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have a deep evolutionary history with mammals, not just recent origins. Understanding this ancient host-virus relationship is crucial for combating viral diseases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lentiviruses are retroviruses causing chronic infections in mammals.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) shaped the perception of lentiviruses as modern pathogens.
- Recent research indicates a much deeper evolutionary history for lentiviruses and their hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reframe the understanding of lentivirus evolution beyond recent emergence.
- To highlight the importance of deep evolutionary history in host-virus interactions.
- To demonstrate an integrated framework for studying host-virus dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Paleovirological analysis
- Geographic calibration of viral evolution
- Genetic calibration of host-virus interactions
Main Results:
- Lentiviruses exhibit an evolutionary history spanning millions of years with mammalian hosts.
- Deep evolutionary history fundamentally shapes current host-virus interactions.
- An integrated framework can reconcile observations across diverse temporal and spatial scales.
Conclusions:
- The ancient origins of lentiviruses are critical for understanding their persistent infections.
- Establishing deep host-virus history is essential for effective disease control strategies.
- Paleovirology, geography, and genetics provide a unified approach to studying host-virus systems.
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