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Published on: April 13, 2009
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Pleolipoviridae
Dennis H Bamford1, Maija K Pietilä2, Elina Roine1
1Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9B, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Members of the family Pleolipoviridae (termed pleolipoviruses) are pseudo-spherical and pleomorphic archaeal viruses. The enveloped virion is a simple membrane vesicle, which encloses different types of DNA genomes of approximately 7-16 kbp (or kilonucleotides). Typically, virions contain a single type of transmembrane (spike) protein at the envelope and a single type of membrane protein, which is embedded in the envelope and located in the internal side of the membrane. All viruses infect extremely halophilic archaea in the class Halobacteria (phylum Euryarchaeota). Pleolipoviruses have a narrow host range and a persistent, non-lytic life cycle. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Pleolipoviridae which is available at www.ictv.global/report/pleolipoviridae.
Insights
Pleolipoviruses are enveloped archaeal viruses with DNA genomes that infect halophilic archaea. These viruses exhibit a narrow host range and a persistent, non-lytic life cycle.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Archaea Biology
- Extremophile Research
Background:
- Pleolipoviruses are a family of archaeal viruses.
- These viruses infect extremely halophilic archaea within the class Halobacteria.
- They possess pseudo-spherical to pleomorphic shapes and are enveloped virions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the taxonomy of the family Pleolipoviridae.
- To provide an overview of pleolipovirus characteristics based on the ICTV report.
Main Methods:
- Review of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report.
- Analysis of existing data on pleolipovirus morphology, genome, and host interactions.
Main Results:
- Pleolipoviruses contain DNA genomes ranging from approximately 7-16 kilobase pairs.
- Virions typically feature a single transmembrane spike protein and a single internal membrane protein.
- Infection is restricted to extremely halophilic archaea, with a narrow host range observed.
Conclusions:
- Pleolipoviruses are characterized by their unique structure, genome, and host specificity.
- Their persistent, non-lytic life cycle distinguishes them from many other viral families.
- This summary provides a taxonomic overview of Pleolipoviridae for the scientific community.
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