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Significance of Interviral Recombination as Novel Mechanism for Extending Viral Disease Repertoire

Edward M Johnson1, Dianne C Daniel1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.

Brain Disorders & Therapy
|December 27, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Interviral recombination between distinct DNA viruses, though rare, can cause significant human diseases. DNA break-induced replication is a likely mechanism driving these genetic exchanges.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Human Disease Etiology

Background:

  • Interviral recombination, the exchange of genetic material between different viruses, is a newly observed phenomenon.
  • This process typically involves DNA viruses from distinct classes and requires specific intracellular conditions.
  • Examples include recombination between JC virus and Epstein-Barr virus, highlighting clinical relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the mechanisms and implications of interviral recombination.
  • To investigate the potential for novel human diseases arising from viral genetic exchange.
  • To understand the significance of recombinant viral genomes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of rare interviral recombination events.
  • Investigation of intracellular conditions facilitating viral genome interaction.
  • Hypothesizing mechanisms of recombination, such as DNA break-induced replication.

Main Results:

  • Interviral recombination is a rare event necessitating specific circumstances.
  • Recombination between JC virus and Epstein-Barr virus demonstrates significant clinical potential.
  • DNA break-induced replication is proposed as a plausible mechanism for generating recombinant genomes.

Conclusions:

  • Interviral recombination represents a significant, albeit rare, factor in human disease development.
  • Understanding recombination mechanisms is crucial for identifying and managing diseases of unknown origin.
  • Further research into interviral recombination across various viruses promises new discoveries.
Keywords:
DNA break-induced replicationDNA recombinationDNA replicationEpstein-Barr virusHERVJC virusMSMultiple sclerosisPMLProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

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