Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

10:28
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Molecular virology of hepatitis E virus
R Prasida Holla1, Imran Ahmad, Zulfazal Ahmad
1Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.
Seminars in Liver Disease
|April 9, 2013
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes hepatitis E. This review details HEV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Hepatitis Research
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E.
- Understanding HEV's molecular virology is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and update current knowledge on HEV virology.
- To focus on the HEV genome, proteins (ORF1, ORF2, ORF3), and viral life cycle.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HEV research.
- Analysis of HEV genome structure and protein functions.
- Examination of viral replication and infection systems.
Main Results:
- HEV is a nonenveloped virus with a positive-stranded RNA genome (~7.2 kb).
- Advancements in replicons and in vitro systems enhance HEV study.
- Discovery of related animal viruses aids understanding of HEV evolution.
Conclusions:
- Current knowledge of HEV molecular virology is expanding.
- Further research into HEV proteins and life cycle is essential for therapeutic development.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
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...
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...
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 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...

