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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Inoviridae
Petar Knezevic1, Evelien M Adriaenssens2, Ictv Report Consortium
1University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia.
The Journal of General Virology
|July 6, 2021
Summary
Inoviridae bacteriophages are filamentous viruses with single-stranded DNA genomes. These viruses infect Gram-negative bacteria without killing them, offering insights into viral persistence and replication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Inoviridae are non-enveloped, flexible filamentous bacteriophages.
- They possess circular, single-stranded DNA genomes (5.5-10.6 kb) encoding 7-15 proteins.
- These phages infect Gram-negative bacteria by attaching to pili.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on the family Inoviridae.
- To provide an overview of Inoviridae morphology, genome, replication, and host interactions.
- To consolidate current taxonomic information on Inoviridae.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data.
- Analysis of the ICTV's official report on the Inoviridae family.
- Compilation of key characteristics including physical, genetic, and biological properties.
Main Results:
- Inoviridae phages are characterized by their filamentous structure (600-2500×6-10 nm).
- Replication occurs via a rolling-circle mechanism, with progeny released by extrusion, not lysis.
- Phage DNA can exist extrachromosomally or integrate into the host genome.
Conclusions:
- Inoviridae represent a unique class of bacteriophages with non-lytic replication cycles.
- Their ability to persist within host populations without causing immediate cell death has significant ecological implications.
- The ICTV report provides a standardized classification and description of this viral family.
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