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Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
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Genetic Diversity of the Polyomavirus JC and Implications for the Pathogenesis of Progressive Multifocal

Michael P Wilczek1,2,3, Sebastien Lhomme4,5,6

  • 1Life Science, Health, and Engineering Department, The Roux Institute, Northeastern University, Portland, ME 04101, USA.

Viruses
|March 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

JC Polyomavirus (JCPyV), a DNA virus causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), presents distinct archetype and prototype forms. This review aids in differentiating natural JCPyV variations from disease-specific mutations.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics

Background:

  • JC Polyomavirus (JCPyV) is a double-stranded DNA virus linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
  • JCPyV exists as archetype (periphery) and prototype (central nervous system) forms.
  • Prototype strains often exhibit NCCR recombination and VP1 mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the key characteristics of JCPyV archetype and prototype strains.
  • To aid in the interpretation of sequence data from emerging sequencing technologies.
  • To differentiate natural JCPyV polymorphism from prototype-specific mutations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of JCPyV archetype and prototype strains.
  • Analysis of sequence data and genetic variations.
  • Comparative analysis of viral replication regulatory regions (NCCR) and capsid protein (VP1) mutations.

Main Results:

  • Archetype and prototype strains display distinct genetic features, particularly in the NCCR and VP1.
  • Natural JCPyV polymorphism contributes to sequence diversity across genotypes.
  • Identifying prototype-specific mutations is crucial for understanding PML pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding JCPyV strain variations is essential for interpreting genomic data.
  • Distinguishing natural polymorphism from pathogenic mutations aids in PML research.
  • This review provides a framework for analyzing JCPyV sequence diversity.
Keywords:
JC PolyomavirusPMLVP1genotypemutationsnon-coding control region

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