Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Identifying Caspases and their Motifs that Cleave Proteins During Influenza A Virus Infection
Published on: July 21, 2022
Pathogens That Rewrite the Rules: Ascoviruses, Elegant Manipulators of Cell Death Pathways and Architects of the
Sarah R Rudd1,2, Leticia S Miranda1,3, Sharon J Asariah1,4
1Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA.
Abstract:
Ascoviruses (AVs) are obligate intracellular pathogens that target the larval and pupal stages of lepidopteran insects, specifically moth caterpillars. AVs are unique among viruses in their (i) transmission mode, (ii) gross pathology, (iii) virion ultrastructure, (iv) genomic architecture featuring a remarkable combination of genes, and (v) ability to reprogram host cell death and lipid biosynthetic pathways to generate virion-containing vesicles (VCVs). The metabolically active acellular VCVs are repurposed to complete virogenesis and to facilitate dissemination by endoparasitoid wasps. Since their discovery in the late 20th century, research has focused on these distinctive traits and, to a lesser extent, their potential for biological control. Among AV proteins are the large DNA-binding P64 family, inhibitor of apoptosis-like proteins (IAPs), executioner caspase and caspase-like proteins, and lipid-modifying enzymes, which together drive their novel cytopathology. This review synthesizes current knowledge of AV biology and proposes a framework for understanding VCV formation by integrating predicted viral protein functions with host cellular pathways, including the ceramide-sphingosine-1-phosphate rheostat and apoptosis.
Insights
Ascoviruses (AVs) are unique insect viruses that reprogram host cells to create virion-containing vesicles (VCVs). These VCVs aid AV replication and spread via wasps, offering potential for biological control.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ascoviruses (AVs) are obligate intracellular pathogens of lepidopteran larvae and pupae.
- AVs exhibit unique characteristics in transmission, pathology, virion structure, and genome.
- They reprogram host cell death and lipid synthesis to form virion-containing vesicles (VCVs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on Ascovirus biology.
- To propose a framework for understanding VCV formation.
- To integrate viral protein functions with host cellular pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Ascoviruses.
- Analysis of viral protein functions, including P64, IAPs, caspases, and lipid-modifying enzymes.
- Integration of host cellular pathways like the ceramide-sphingosine-1-phosphate rheostat and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- AVs create metabolically active, acellular VCVs for virogenesis and dissemination by endoparasitoid wasps.
- Key viral proteins (P64, IAPs, caspases) drive novel cytopathology.
- VCV formation involves reprogramming host cell death and lipid biosynthesis.
Conclusions:
- A framework for VCV formation is proposed by integrating viral and host factors.
- Understanding AV cytopathology is crucial for their study and potential biocontrol applications.
- AVs represent a distinct viral model with unique replication and dissemination strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
02:33Retroviruses
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the...
01:30Apoptosis