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Human Virome

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...

Viral Recombination

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.

Viruses with RNA Genomes

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...

Retroviruses

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...

Subviral Agents

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm

Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm

Published on: April 12, 2017

A cornucopia of human polyomaviruses.

James A DeCaprio¹, Robert L Garcea

¹Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. james_decaprio@dfci.harvard.edu

Nature Reviews. Microbiology

|March 12, 2013

Summary

Nine new human polyomaviruses have been discovered, including one linked to skin cancer. This review explores their evolution, host interactions, and disease potential.

Area of Science:

Virology
Human Pathogens
Oncology

Background:

Recent virus hunting efforts have identified nine novel human polyomaviruses over six years.
Merkel cell polyomavirus, one of the newly discovered viruses, is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma, a deadly skin cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the characteristics of newly discovered human polyomaviruses.
To discuss their evolutionary relationships, host interactions, and potential roles in disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent findings in human polyomavirus research.
Comparative analysis of newly identified polyomaviruses.

Main Results:

Discovery of nine new human polyomaviruses, demonstrating significant genetic diversity.

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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection

Published on: February 7, 2019

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm

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Published on: April 12, 2017

Single Cell Micro-aspiration as an Alternative Strategy to Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting for Giant Virus Mixture Separation

Single Cell Micro-aspiration as an Alternative Strategy to Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting for Giant Virus Mixture Separation

Published on: October 27, 2019

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection

Published on: February 7, 2019

Identification of Merkel cell polyomavirus and its link to Merkel cell carcinoma.

Conclusions:

The emergence of numerous new human polyomaviruses necessitates further investigation into their biology.
Understanding viral evolution, tropism, latency, immune evasion, and disease contribution is crucial for managing these pathogens.