ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Duplodnaviria 2025

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Microbiology
• Genomics

Background:

• The Duplodnaviria realm is a recently defined viral taxonomic group.
• It comprises viruses with linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes.
• These viruses infect a wide range of hosts, including archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the realm Duplodnaviria.
• To highlight the defining characteristics of Duplodnaviria.
• To provide an accessible overview of this viral realm.

Main Methods:

• Review of the official ICTV Report on Duplodnaviria.
• Identification of the key genetic and morphogenetic features of Duplodnavirians.
• Synthesis of information regarding host range and genome type.

Main Results:

• Duplodnaviria is characterized by a distinct morphogenetic module.
• This module includes four hallmark genes: HK97-fold major capsid protein, large terminase subunit, portal protein, and capsid maturation protease.
• The realm unifies diverse viruses based on these shared genetic elements.

Conclusions:

• The Duplodnaviria realm represents a significant classification in viral taxonomy.
• The shared gene set provides a unifying characteristic for viruses infecting diverse hosts.
• Further information is available in the full ICTV report.