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A Trait-Based Approach to Predicting Viral Host-Range Evolvability.

Hannah M Strobel1, Elizabeth C Stuart1, Justin R Meyer1

  • 1Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;

Annual Review of Virology
|September 29, 2022
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding virus host range evolution is complex. This study examines mutation rate, recombination rate, and phenotypic heterogeneity, identifying viral traits and conditions that may accelerate host-range expansion.

Keywords:
bacteriophageevolvabilityhost-range evolutionmutationrecombinationrobustnessviruses

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Predicting virus host range evolution is challenging due to viral diversity and complex ecological interactions.
  • Intrinsic viral traits like mutation rate, recombination rate, and phenotypic heterogeneity are key factors in host-range evolvability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how intrinsic viral traits influence host-range evolvability.
  • To identify constraints on evolvability imposed by fitness trade-offs.
  • To pinpoint viral groups and conditions associated with accelerated host-range expansion.

Main Methods:

  • Focused analysis on three intrinsic viral traits: mutation rate, recombination rate, and phenotypic heterogeneity.
  • Examined the interplay between these traits and fitness trade-offs.
  • Identified specific viral characteristics and environmental factors influencing host-range expansion.

Main Results:

  • While mutation rate, recombination rate, and phenotypic heterogeneity can increase evolvability, their effects are constrained by fitness trade-offs.
  • These constraints help identify viral groups with concerning trait combinations.
  • Specific ecological and environmental conditions can promote accelerated host-range evolution.

Conclusions:

  • Virus host range evolution is shaped by intrinsic traits and their associated fitness trade-offs.
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for identifying high-risk viruses and predicting future host-range expansions.
  • This research provides a framework for assessing viral pandemic potential.