The complete DNA sequence of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of clone 6 of the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) has been determined. The molecule comprises 133,894 base pairs and has an overall A + T content of 59%. Our analysis suggests that the virus encodes some 154 methionine-initiated, and potentially expressed, open reading frames (ORFs) of 150 nucleotides or greater. These ORFs are distributed evenly throughout the virus genome on either strand. The ORFs are arranged as adjacent, nonoverlapping reading frames separated by short intergenic regions. Based on the primary nucleotide sequence, predictions have been made concerning the functions of certain genes, the sites for initiation of viral DNA replication, the regulation of early and late gene transcription, and factors that may affect the AcNPV gene translational efficiency. The genome sequence data confirm, with minor differences, the information obtained for other AcNPV clones. It is proposed that clone C6 is considered the archetype AcNPV for comparison purposes.