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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Retroviridae 2021.
John Coffin1, Jonas Blomberg2, Hung Fan3
1Tufts University, Boston, MA 2111, USA.
The Journal of General Virology
|December 23, 2021
Summary
Retroviridae viruses infect vertebrates and replicate via reverse transcription and DNA integration. Some retroviruses can become heritable endogenous retroviruses passed through generations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Viruses in the family Retroviridae infect a diverse range of vertebrate hosts.
- Retroviruses are enveloped viruses, 80-100 nm in diameter, with a core containing the viral genome and enzymes.
- Core morphology often distinguishes viruses within the same genus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Retroviridae.
- To provide an overview of retroviral characteristics, replication, and heritability.
Main Methods:
- Review and summarization of the ICTV Report on Retroviridae.
- Analysis of viral structure, replication mechanisms, and genetic integration.
Main Results:
- Retroviridae viruses exhibit characteristic core morphologies.
- Replication involves reverse transcription and integration into host DNA, forming a provirus.
- Germline integration leads to heritable endogenous retroviruses.
Conclusions:
- The ICTV Report provides a comprehensive taxonomic overview of the Retroviridae family.
- Understanding retroviral replication and integration is crucial for studying viral evolution and host interactions.
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