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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.
The Journal of General Virology
|November 11, 2017
Summary
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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